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	Are there any other exercises that I shouldn't be doing pregnant?
	Now that you know about the relaxin, you should be aware that overstretching or hyper-extending any of your joints can cause injury. In the ABC'S of Prenatal Fitness, for example, it recommends that when you do wall push ups, your arms are wide enough so that when you go toward the wall, the elbows stay at a 90 degree angle (shoulder height). The same issue applies to squats. Always keep your knees directly above your ankles, not past them. Proper form is critical in strength training exercises. Always perform exercises in front of a mirror so you can watch your form. Choosing which activities to participate in is also critical. As relaxin levels increase causing your ligaments and other connective tissue to loosen, and your center of gravity shifts, your chances of injuring yourself in high impact activities (such as kickboxing, step, jump roping, basketball, and soccer) increase. There is also no reason to engage in any activity on your back. Even though it's ok in your first trimester, start getting used to variations in an incline position. There are also many positions in Yoga that are not recommended. Try to avoid poses where your head is below your heart (for example, in downward facing dog, try to keep your head at shoulder height), inversions (i.e. bridge) or deep warrior poses, where there may be strain on your pubis symphysis (the connective tissue that holds the pelvis together in the front, center). Remember, if it doesn't feel right, don't do it. Close Window