If you are pregnant, you might have a lot of questions about the types of exercise you are allowed to perform. Exercise during pregnancy has several benefits. For example, exercise can help prevent back pains many pregnant women experience. It can also reduce cramps and swelling all over the body. You might even sleep better at night. Exercise may also diminish anxiety and help you maintain strength and confidence throughout your pregnancy.
Consider these points before starting a pregnancy-friendly fitness plan.
Speak With Your Doctor First
Before you do any exercise while pregnant, consult with your obstetrician. Your doctor will have many answers for your fitness questions, no matter which trimester you are in. If you need to connect with an OBGYN, going here can help.
Stay Safe in All Kinds of Weather
It is very easy for pregnant women to overheat in the summer, so it is important to pay attention to what your body says. Additionally, watch your heart rate and maintain a comfortable pace if you are walking, running, or performing any other sort of cardio.
Stay Seated or Upright
It is a good idea to perform exercises that do not require you to lay directly on your back in the later stages of pregnancy. You should modify any of these exercises to ensure that you are in safe, comfortable positions.
Fuel Up Before an Exercise
Carbohydrates are good fuel before a workout. Pregnant women experience fluctuations in their blood sugar levels, so eating carbs before a workout can help you feel better. Remember to pay attention to your body and slow down if you feel dizzy.
Perform Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises can help you during and after pregnancy. Your obstetrician can provide you with some examples of pelvic floor exercises that will help you build strength and prevent issues like incontinence after pregnancy.
Know Which Exercises Are Safe
Several types of exercises work best for pregnant women. They include low impact aerobics, walking, water aerobics, and cycling. Light-weight training may be appropriate if you were already doing this before your pregnancy. Your obstetrician will advise that you avoid certain types of exercises, especially contact sports, bouncing, and twisting.
Always report negative symptoms to your obstetrician, especially those that come from exercise. Stop exercising and report symptoms like faintness, headaches, nausea, pain, numbness, excess fatigue, pain, contractions, leaking fluids, and vaginal bleeding. Your obstetrician should also know if you are experiencing reduced movement of your baby at any time. Call your doctor right away if you suspect there is a problem.
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