Exercise during pregnancy
When you are pregnant, several questions come to your mind, especially if it is about exercising. Physical workout maintains and improves your general health and physical fitness. Doing regular exercises during pregnancy is vital. It can assist you to deal with common pregnancy discomforts and also prepare the body for labor and birth.
Can I exercise safely while pregnant?
Even if you have not been exercising, you can start to train. But this is not until you talk to your doctor and do not engage in strenuous activities. Among the simple movements that are safe to get involved in include walking. In many situations, it is safe to exercise during pregnancy, and it is recommended. If you used to practice before getting pregnant, you could continue exercising. However, you will need to perform workouts that are comfortable for your body.
Exercise during pregnancy can only be termed unsafe if you have some health issues that might deteriorate or affect you and your baby. If you have some of the following health conditions, performing workouts might be unsafe for you.
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Low placenta
- Weak cervix
- Spotting or bleeding
- Recurrent miscarriage
- History of preterm births
Consult your medic before starting any exercise program. Whether you feel healthy or not, consult your doctor as soon as possible. He may provide you with instructions that will help you exercise safely.
Safe exercises to perform during pregnancy
While most of the workouts are safe to do, be cautious and avoid overdoing your training may help you to remain safe. Among the activities considered secure include:
- Swimming
- Indoor stationary cycling
- Brisk walking
- Tennis
- Jogging
With these activities, you are less exposed to injuries, and they are advantageous to your body. Moreover, you can do them until birth.
Exercise to avoid
Regardless of your exercising goals, you want to keep healthy, and your baby safe at the end of you’re the workouts. Here are the exercises you should avoid.
- Holding breath when exercising
- Football and volleyball as they are contact sports
- Skiing
- Training in humid weather
- Duo leg raises
Benefits of doing exercises when pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you may feel exhausted especially in the few early months. This might make you not exercise. There are advantages of doing workouts when pregnant that will make you want to train daily.
- Helps to reduce constipation, swelling, bloating, and backaches
- Boosts energy
- Enhances mood
- Assists in the treatment or prevention of gestational diabetes
- Supports muscle endurance, strength and tone
- Improves your sleep
- Makes your posture better
Apart from that, routine exercise assists you to stay fit throughout pregnancy. It may also contribute to enhancing your ability to handle labor. As a result, it is easier for you to have body shape back after the birth of your child.
When you want to exercise, and you are pregnant, ensure to take all the precaution measures to avoid getting injured. Wear flat shoes and exercise on flat ground or floor. Also, eat enough calories that will meet your pregnancy need.