Final answer:
The activities recommended for pregnant women in designing an exercise prescription that facilitates easy monitoring of intensities are swimming and cycling. These aerobic exercises promote cardiovascular health and muscular endurance, offering safe, low-impact workouts suitable for pregnant women.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two activities that could be used when designing an exercise prescription for a pregnant woman and that are easier for monitoring intensities are swimming and cycling. These activities are considered aerobic exercises, which are important for maintaining cardiovascular health and muscular endurance. Particularly during pregnancy, these exercises are beneficial because they can be easily adjusted for intensity and are low impact, reducing the risk of injury and providing a safe option for expectant mothers to stay active.
Aerobic exercises like swimming and cycling allow for prolonged physical activity at a moderate level of intensity, making them ideal options for pregnant women. Unlike high-intensity or high-impact activities, which can be contraindicated during pregnancy, these exercises support maternal health without placing undue strain on the body. As aerobic exercises, they help maintain the oxygen supply needed for both the mother and the developing fetus during workouts.
It is always advised that pregnant women consult with healthcare professionals before starting or continuing an exercise regimen to ensure the safety of both the mother and child. Tailored programs can address the unique needs of the pregnancy and can adjust to the changing physiological demands as the pregnancy progresses.