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Pregnancy Basics |
Pregnancy (Home) > Pregnancy Basics > Pregnancy and Exercise Pregnancy Exercise AdviceExercise is important at any point in a woman's life but pregnancy exercise is particularly essential because it promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance. The results of pregnancy exercise enable you to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy. Pregnancy exercise will also prepare your body better for the physical challenge of labour. Another benefit of pregnancy exercise is that it can make it easier to get back into shape after your baby is born. Pregnancy exercise can also reduce some of the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy such as backache, constipation, fatigue, and swelling as well as helping to improve your mood and self-image. Pregnancy exercise can even help you sleep better which is essential for getting enough rest to help you cope with the rigours of pregnancy, labour, birth and also dealing with your newborn when the big day eventually comes. The best types of pregnancy exercise are walking and swimming. This is because these two activities work your major muscle groups, strengthen your heart, and pose little risk of injury. It is important that you do not over exert yourself with pregnancy exercise and your fitness levels before you became pregnant will dictate how strenuously you can exercise. If you were not very active before you became pregnant then it is not a good idea to try to engage in huge amounts of pregnancy exercise as you will be in danger of injuring yourself or your baby. Low-impact activities such as walking or swimming and short workout sessions of no more than 30 minutes are best for beginners. However, it is important to discuss any pregnancy exercise program with your health professional before you undertake it, no matter how complex your previously exercise regime was. You will find that you have to modify your style of pregnancy exercise as your pregnancy progresses. It is essential that you pay close attention to any pains or discomfort during pregnancy exercise and seek medical help if you are at all concerned about the way that you are feeling during or after an exercise session. You should always avoid any sport or pregnancy exercise that is likely to result in a fall such as horseback riding, skating, and water-skiing. Cycling is also not recommended as a form of exercise once you enter your second trimester. You will probably want to avoid any pregnancy exercise that involves lying on your back for long periods of time once you reach the second trimester too.
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