Exercising during pregnancy is a great way to stay healthy and keep your body strong.
Exercise can also help you manage stress, sleep better, lose weight, and prepare for labor.
Exercise has so many benefits that it’s no wonder people want to know how best to exercise while pregnant.
This blog post will give you the information you need to make informed decisions about exercising during pregnancy!
How often should I exercise during pregnancy?
Try to be active every day of the week. You should be sensible about how much exercise you are doing. This is because you might not have exercised before you became pregnant.
Do not try to do too much exercise. Do light or moderate exercises. If you want, you can do more intense exercises, but be careful!
You don’t need to perform your daily exercise all at once; you can break it up throughout the day.
As you progress, you may need to slow down. Ask the doctors if you are not sure.
What should I do if I didn’t exercise before?
If you have never exercised before you got pregnant, don’t suddenly start exercising. You can do it slowly. Tell your gym coach or trainer that you are pregnant, and they will help.
You can start with 15 minutes of exercise 3 times a week and gradually increase this to up to 2½ hours a week.
Exercise is good for your body. It doesn’t have to be hard. Any physical activity is better than doing nothing.
What exercises should you do?
It is good to do both aerobic and strengthening exercises when you are pregnant.
Aerobic activities, like walking, cycling, and swimming, are good for your heart and help you stay healthy. You can also take a fitness class to improve your physical strength.
Strengthening exercises, like Pilates, yoga, or resistance training, helps to reduce back and pelvic pain. These exercises can also prepare your body for giving birth and recovery after.
You can try incorporating the exercises listed below into your daily routine. These workouts will strengthen your muscles so that you can carry the extra weight of pregnancy, as well as make joints stronger and improve circulation. They’ll also help ease backache and other pains common in mothers-to-be.
Stomach-strengthening exercises
As you get bigger, the skin in your lower back may get bigger. This can give you backache.
These exercises make the muscles in your stomach stronger, and this helps ease backache.
- Start in a ‘box’ position with your knees under your hips, your hands under your shoulders, and fingers facing forward. Keep a straight back with the help of abdominal muscles.
- Pull in your stomach muscles and raise the back up towards the ceiling. Let the head drop down gently. Don’t let your elbows lock.
- Hold for a few seconds, then go back to the box position.
- It is important to take care of your back when you do this. Make sure it stays straight and work your muscles. Do this 10 times, making sure that the movement you’re using is slow and steady.
- Only move your back as far as you can.
Pelvic tilt exercises
- Stand with your back against the wall. Put your feet apart so that they are at shoulder width.
- Keep your knees bent and not stiff.
- Stand up straight with your back touching the wall. Pull your tummy button towards your spine. Hold for 4 seconds and then release.
- Repeat up to 10 times.
Pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor exercises are a good way to keep your pelvic muscles strong. They help you have babies, and they help you pee. Every time you do the exercises, your muscles get stronger.
Exercise tips when you’re pregnant:
- Always warm-up before exercising. You should always cool down afterward.
- When it is hot or humid, do not do strenuous exercise.
- Drink lots of water and other fluids.
- Wear clothes that will be comfortable. Wear a bra that will be supportive.
- Make sure your trainer is qualified. They should know that you are pregnant and how many weeks pregnant you are.
- Some local pools offer classes for pregnant people. They are led by qualified instructors.
- Walking is a good way to exercise. It is not as hard on your joints as other exercises. Some other good choices are low-impact aerobics and bike riding on a stationary bike.
Are there any exercises I should avoid?
During your pregnancy, most exercises should be fine. There are a few things that you should avoid, though:
Exercise that involves lying flat on your back.
You should avoid exercises that put too much pressure on the abdomen, for example, when you are doing a crunch or sit-up.
You might have a hard time exercising when you are pregnant because your body has a higher temperature. You should be careful so that you don’t get too hot.
Drink lots of water. Wear light clothes, exercise in cooler places, like outside, or near open windows that can let air in. Don’t do any exercises where you get close to a sauna or spa.
Are there any reasons why I shouldn’t exercise?
When you are pregnant, it’s important to speak with your doctor or obstetrician before you start working out. You may be told to change your exercise routine or stop if you are at risk of a miscarriage. Exercise can also help with morning sickness and fatigue during pregnancy – it works for many women!
If you have any medical problems, discuss them with your doctor before starting an exercise plan. Talk about what type of activity is appropriate given the level of exertion and the duration.
If you have had a miscarriage in the past, it is possible that exercise could cause another one – talk to your doctor about what’s best for you. Exercise might also increase your risk of premature labor – so stay away from exercises like jumping or anything where there are sudden jerks or impacts!
When should I stop exercising?
There are signs that you need to stop exercising and see your doctor. Signs include chest pains, shortness of breath, feeling faint or having a headache, muscle weakness in the calf. Swelling on the back of your leg or inside your calf. Sudden swelling in your hands or face. Vaginal bleeding and nausea, and vomiting. Limited movement from your baby.
Talk to your doctor, physiotherapist, or healthcare professional before you start exercising. If they say it is okay, then go ahead and do the exercises.
