Have a healthy pregnancy, reduce common pregnancy discomforts and prepare your body for childbirth with regular exercise during pregnancy. Find out basic guidelines and information about exercise for pregnant women.
Pregnancy and exercise: How can you be sure it is safe to exercise?
Every pregnant woman must consult with her doctor to find out if it is safe for her to exercise. Your doctor will examine you and look at your medical history to determine whether you do not have any complications to your pregnancy or medical problems like heart disease or diabetes, which would make it unsafe for you to exercise. In general, gentle to moderate activity is beneficial to pregnant women.
Pregnancy and exercise: Which activities are best for pregnant women?
Healthcare providers recommend exercises that you can perform comfortably without you having to take on extra weight. Swimming is perfect for pregnant women because of the waters buoyancy. You can exercise your entire body without the strain on your joints. However, scuba diving is a different matter because it puts pressure on the baby and should be avoided during pregnancy. Other activities normally recommended to pregnant women include brisk walking and stationary biking.
Pregnancy and exercise: Where do I start?
If your doctor says you are fit to exercise and he/she approves of the activities included in your exercise routine, then prepare yourself by getting the right exercise gear. Make sure you have appropriate shoes, comfortable clothing and good support garments. Start your workout at an easy level making sure you do not experience any pain, become short of breath or over fatigued. Then, gradually increase the intensity of your workouts only up to a comfortable point. Take it slow. Even if you were physically active before you became pregnant, avoid vigorous exercises.
Pregnancy and exercise: More safety tips and reminders
Safety is a major concern when you are pregnant so choose exercises that do not have any risks of you falling, getting pushed or injured such as contact sports, skiing, cycling, and horseback riding. You should also avoid exercises wherein you have to be on your back after the first trimester because it will affect your blood circulation. Work out in a well-ventilated room and have a bottle of water handy.
Pregnancy and exercise: Symptoms to watch out for
Stop exercising at once if there is sudden pain in the chest, pelvis or abdominal area, if you are short of breath or dizzy and if you experience severe headache or blurry vision. Likewise, vaginal bleeding or leak of fluid from the vagina is a sign that you need to stop and see your doctor immediately.
