Exercise While Pregnant

Technically, exercising during pregnant is important for every woman. Although, doctors refrain pregnant women from maintaining a rigorous workout routine. As exercising presents no harmful effects on the mother or her child, there are certain exercises that you should and should not follow. As the pregnancy changes your bodily functions, some women find exercising pretty uncomfortable. It's not that you would enjoy running on the treadmill or in the park like you used to. Nonetheless, exercising during pregnant can benefit you throughout the pregnancy. You can discuss the pros and cons of the exercises that are mentioned here in the article with your gynecologist and understand the health issues. The intensity and level of exercise will completely depend on you and your doctor's recommendations.

Exercise During your First Trimester

During the first trimester, steady exercises can help you deal with the physical and emotional changes/demands of being pregnant. Exercising while pregnant also aids in preparing you for the severity of labor. There are times when women find it very difficult to find the time and energy for a healthy workout. The constant struggle to make yourself comfortable in different ways (clothes, temperature, eating habits) can sometimes demotivate you from exercising. It doesn't matter if you're a healthy conscious person or have never exercised in your life. The duration of pregnancy can be difficult to handle with so much on your plate. To combat the issues of keeping yourself fit for the baby and your overall well-being, ask your doctor to make an exercise program while pregnant. This will motivate you into conducting all the exercises on a regular basis. Plus, you won't have to worry about which exercises are safe for you and the baby.

Types of Exercises

• Yoga: Yoga while pregnant can help you relax and breathe deeply. Yoga helps in clearing all the toxins from your body and adjust physically during the months of pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and motherhood. It calms the body and mind, leaving you with a stress-free environment. There are prenatal yoga classes offered that explain all the dos and don'ts about yoga exercises.
• Walking: If you don't feel comfortable doing any other exercises recommended by your doctor, you can certainly try walking everyday. Walking is also a great way to keep the circulation of blood flowing normally and keeps you and your baby healthy as well.
• Swimming: Swimming is considered an excellent form of exercise during pregnant with twins. The water can support your entire weight, help you tone your muscles, and increase your overall strength. However, scuba diving should be strictly avoided.
• Kegel Exercises: Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles, which in turn help you prepare for childbirth.
• Jogging: If you have the practice of jogging regularly, you can continue to do so, but only if you feel comfortable enough. There is no need to overdo any exercises and make yourself tired unnecessarily. Also, while jogging, do remember to drink a lot of water.
• Climbing & Hiking: Climbing and hiking can really work your entire body and the fresh air is good for the baby. However, elevations beyond 10,000 feet should really be avoided because of lack of enough oxygen. High altitudes (when you're not used to them) can cause premature labor because of the severity of the exercise.
• Skiing (water or snow): Snow and/or water skiing is a big no-no exercise during pregnant. These sports are very dangerous as the risk of getting hit on the ground or water is really high.
• Abdominal exercises: If you're wondering about doing ab exercise during pregnant, it generally is considered safe during the first trimester. However, there should not be too much pressure or strain on your abdomens during your exercises.

Benefits of Exercising While Pregnant

• Helps regain pre-pregnancy body quickly.
• Increase in energy.
• Reduce complications with labor and childbirth.
• Quick and healthy recovery postpartum.
• Less issues with backaches, bloating, and constipation.
• Controlled birth weight of the baby; less risk for child obesity
• Encourages your mood
• Reduces the risk of gestational diabetes.

Pregnancy exercises are beneficial during and after your baby is born. You should always consult your health care provider about exercise during pregnant, as the first trimester can be an overwhelming experience for some. The health care provider will guide you into understanding the factors and reasons for exercise during pregnant.