Doing
exercises while pregnant is very important both to your health and your
unborn childs. Exercise while pregnant will help you to relax, relieve
stress and reduce pain, all of which are common while pregnant.
Remember if you feel stressed then your baby will feel it too. Exercise
is great for increasing the heart rate and getting the blood pumping
around the body which is great for you and your baby. You should
however exercise with caution as you are after all pregnant. You do not
want to perform any exercise that may harm you or your baby. So here
are some pregnancy exercise guidelines to help you stay safe and
healthy.
- Talk to your doctor or midwife before starting any new exercise
program.
- Start any new program slowly and do not over exert yourself.
- Remember to pay attention to what your body is telling you. It will
let you know if you are going too far and will signal when it is time
to reduce your efforts.
- Do not exercise so much that you can not catch your breath or become
exhausted. This is an indicator that both you and your baby are not
getting the supply of oxygen you both require
- Be sure to have comfortable shoes that will support your ankle.
Comfortable clothes are a good idea also.
- Be sure to take breaks often and drink plenty of water before, during
and after exercising.
- Stay away from rocky terrain while running or cycling. Your joints
are more prone to sprains while pregnant.
Avoid exercise in
extremely hot weather.
- During your second and third trimesters you should not do any
exercises that involve lying on your back. These exercises will
decrease blood flow to your womb.
- Perform relaxation techniques before and after each exercise program.
- Stretch and warm up before and after each exercise program.
- Do not use heavy weights that will strain your neck or lower back
muscles. Light weights should be used for strengthening and improving
muscle tone expecially in your upper body.
This is not a definitive list of pregnancy exercise guidelines. You
should talk to speak with a gym instructor or a yoga/pilates instructor
who have experience in working with pregnant women for more pregnancy
exercise guidelines.
Pregnancy And Exercise Tip #1
Remember
to eat healthy. Having a baby
means at least 300 calories more each day. As a result if you are
exercising be sure to have a good diet that will provide you and your
baby with all the required nutrients.
Pregnancy And Exercise Tip #2
Exercise regularly. Try to get in some
pregnancy exercise at least 3 times a week. A brisk walk or just some
light playing with your kids in the garden can help you exercise.
Pregnancy And Exercise Tip #3
You must learn to know when to quit.
If you are feeling tired or exhausted then stop. Listen to your body
and do not over do your exercises.