Most pregnant women know they should be doing at least some exercise during their pregnancy. However, they may not be sure which exercise to choose or how often they should exercise. They know there are benefits to exercising during their pregnancy, but other than controlling extra weight, what are they?
Regular exercise during pregnancy promotes strength, muscle tone, and endurance. Regular activity during your pregnancy will help alleviate swelling, fatigue, and backache. If you expect to remain fit during your pregnancy you will need to work your heart and major muscle groups. Fitness during your pregnancy also means you’re going into the delivery room, and recovery room, with a stronger body.
The type of exercise you do during your pregnancy will depend on your fitness level prior to pregnancy. Walking, yoga, pregnancy exercise videos, and swimming are excellent choices. Combine any of these types of exercises with gentle stretching and other low-impact activities for a well-rounded fitness program.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before engaging in any sporting activity during pregnancy. Even if an activity appears to be safe, there may be risks. Activities and exercises that you enjoy could likely involve a risk of falling or other injury. Bicycling, tennis, horseback riding, and skiing will need to be postponed until after the baby comes.
You will need to reassess your activities and alter your exercise routine for each trimester as your body grows and your balance changes. Depending on which trimester you are in, the level of exercise will change. Avoiding over-exertion is important for many reasons, including risks such as faintness, dizziness, vaginal bleeding, and premature contractions.
You may no longer take for granted the same exercise experience you had before you were pregnant. The same rules no longer apply. Your center of gravity is changed, your blood flow is increased, and your body’s need to be hydrated is something your pre-pregnant body has never known. As you exercise, you’ll need to remind yourself of these facts and adjust your thinking. Getting thirsty during exercise may seem ordinary, but it can quickly escalate into dehydration in a pregnant woman. The elevated body temperature caused from dehydration may cause harm to yourself and your baby.
Many pregnant women find that they are not comfortable exercising outdoors, away from home, or in public, especially in the second and third trimester. There are several reasons; safety and convenience certainly rank at the top. That lovely 20 minute walk isn’t so lovely when you find yourself far away from your bathroom. For those reasons, many pregnant women choose to use exercise videos, specifically designed for pregnancy, that they can do in the safety of their own home. Once again, ask your doctor before you begin any exercise program.
It is crucial that you check with your doctor before participating in any exercise program or sports activity. A regular exercise program is beneficial to both mother and child, but certain activities must be avoided. Once you get approval from your doctor, go and enjoy a walk, swim, or your yoga routine. These activities will help ensure your health and the health of your baby. But first, talk to your doctor to make sure you have no conditions or risks that will prevent you from participating in a routine exercise routine. Then go ahead and get healthy and have fun with your exercise program!
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