Myth: To keep your unborn child safe, avoid sex and exercise during pregnancy.

Fact: Not true. Within the bounds of common sense, there is no recommendation to avoid exercise or sex during pregnancy. The baby is protected in the uterus so that sex is unlikely to cause problems. Similarly, moderate exercise is not prohibited during pregnancy, and is often recommended. Because excessive body heat can be harmful to a developing fetus, exercising in hot weather should be avoided. If your pregnancy is complicated by bleeding, pre-term labor or other problems, your obstetrician may recommend that you avoid sex as well as certain exercises.