(HealthDay News) -- There's no need to stop exercising during pregnancy. But your doctor should know about and approve of what you're doing.

It's especially important to speak with your doctor if you didn't exercise before pregnancy, but plan to do so now.

The American Pregnancy Association offers these general guidelines:

  • Kegel exercises, swimming, walking, light dancing and yoga are generally safe, under a doctor's supervision.
  • Bicycling and using a stair climbing machine also are fairly safe, but care should be taken to prevent falls.
  • Jogging, running and aerobics are acceptable if you did these exercises regularly before pregnancy.
  • Avoid skiing, horseback riding and water skiing.
  • No matter what kind of exercise you are doing, avoid overheating. And if your heart feels like it's beating too fast (over 140 beats per minute), stop.
  • Also quit exercising if you have vaginal bleeding, dizziness, feel faint, have shortness of breath, contractions or feel nauseated.