Exercising While Pregnant

 

A common fear of getting pregnant is the amount of weight you will gain with it. It is a justifiable fear. You will gain weight when you are pregnant and most people would rather not keep that extra weight. So what can you do to not gain a extra weight, help with labor, delivery, and get that weight off after? You can exercise during your pregnancy.

 

Exercising while pregnant is not a dangerous thing. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it. It is important to exercise and be active while pregnant. It can help with aches and pains and give you more stamina for labor and delivery. However, there are some things you need to know about exercising while pregnant.

 

1) Be aware of the signs of something that is not right. This would be things like spotting or bleeding, pain, fluid coming from your vagina, decreased fetal movement, rapid heart rate, dizziness, headache, chest pain, calf swelling, muscle weakness, or labor pains. If you are ever in pain or uncomfortable, stop exercising and see your doctor. Do exercises with caution.

 

2) If you are exercising before you get pregnant, you can do a similar workout once you are pregnant. Your body is used to it and it is okay to maintain that. However, if you are not exercising before pregnancy, do not pick up a vigorous exercise routine. Start slow.
 

 

3) Do not do exercises or do activities that can be harmful to you or your baby. These would include the following exercises and activities: activities that cause you to hold your breath, activities where you can fall (horseback riding, skiing, etc.), contact sports, any activity that could potential cause abdominal trauma, activities with lots of jumping, skipping, hopping, bouncing, running, etc., and activities with heavy weights. Others things you should not do are bounce while stretching, exercise in hot weather, waist twisting, or sit-ups, leg raises, knee bends, and toe-touches.

 

4) Choose activities that do not require a lot of coordination and balance as this will be off while pregnant.

 

5) If you are a runner you can continue running. However, your running should be moderate jogging.

 

6) The safest exercises include swimming, brisk walking, stationary cycling, elliptical machines, and low impact aerobics.
 

 

7) You should not participate in exercising if the following apply to you: your doctor does not recommend it, if you have asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, if you have bleeding or spotting, if you have a low placenta, if you have a threatened or recurrent miscarriage, if you have had previous premature babies or a history of early labor, or if you have a weak cervix.

 

8) Always consult your doctor first before doing exercises. Be aware of your body and listen to any warning signs. Exercising is very helpful while your pregnant because it keeps your body healthy and blood flowing, it helps during labor and delivery, and it helps you loose weight after your baby. However, make sure you are exercising correctly and taking the right precautions.

 

Stay healthy and active for you are your baby! It is important.

 

Until next time,