Are there exercise guidelines for pregnant women?

I am four months pregnant, and I feel great. I try to walk or do a pregnancy exercise video two to three times a week. But I know a woman who runs four miles a day a couple of times a week. She runs pretty fast, too. She says her doctor said it was safe. Should she be exerting herself like this? Are there exercise guidelines for pregnant women?

You've established a safe exercise routine and that's probably why you feel great. It's difficult to comment on your friend's running without knowing more about her - her stage of pregnancy, her physical condition and whether she was a runner prior to becoming pregnant all play a role in her safety. Here are some suggestions for a sensible exercise routine during your pregnancy

• Exercise at least three times per week. Make sure you warm up first and cool down afterwards.
• Don't force your stretches or overstrain abdominal muscles.
• Avoid jerking or bouncing movements or any exercises that hurt.
• Stick to low-impact exercises and limit aerobic activity to 15 to 20 minutes - 30 minutes if you exercised before your pregnancy.
• After the first trimester, avoid exercises where you lie on your back.
• Keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minute and peak activity under 15 minutes.
• Drink plenty of water and don't exercise in hot weather.
• Don't hold your breath while exercising.
• Stay away from competitive or high-risk sports.