Exercise and Pregnancy – Can They Co-Exist?
Before you get started on a pregnancy fitness program, talk to your doctor. Your physician will want to evaluate your fitness status in relation to your pregnancy.
Plenty of Benefits
Exercise during pregnancy offers many physical and emotional benefits. For example, a good exercise program may help relieve some of the common problems associated with pregnancy, such as excessive weight gain, swelling of your hands and feet, leg cramps, varicose veins, insomnia, fatigue and constipation.
You also can look forward to improved posture and circulation, reduced backaches, pelvic and rectal pressure and increased energy levels if you follow a well-designed exercise program while you’re pregnant. And you’ll feel better knowing you’re doing something good for yourself, which is, of course, good for your baby.
Keep Moving Every Other Day
Pregnant women can participate in low-impact aerobic activity three times per week, or as often as every other day, if your physician agrees. But don’t push it; if you’re feeling exhausted, don’t try to exercise. Walking is one of the best aerobic activities and, as long as your doctor says you can exercise and you’re comfortable, do it. Just be sure to take the time to gradually warm up, and don’t forget to stretch before and after your aerobic session.
Water Relief
The buoyancy effect of water may increase your comfort by supporting your weight and reducing any feelings of clumsiness or lack of balance. Swimming and other water exercises place muscles in a relaxed, non-weight-bearing position, providing relief to those who are carrying more pressure and stress as a result of pregnancy.
Understand Your Body
Exercise during pregnancy should take into account the changes you’re experiencing – new body alignment, different posture and reduced strength and endurance. Your program should begin with a series of warm-up exercises and stretches that concentrate on hip, neck and shoulder movement and lower back flexibility. Any abdominal exercises should be modified to reduce strain. Because of the risks associated with exercising on your back, your side is a good position for floor exercises.
Listen To Your Body
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop exercising and call your physician:
increased uterine contractions
vaginal bleeding
amniotic fluid leakage
dizziness or faintness
shortness of breath
palpitations
persistent nausea or vomiting
back or hip pain
difficulty walking
general swelling or edema
numbness anywhere in your body
Check with the fitness centers in your area for exercise programs for pregnant women. Another good idea is to start a local group exercise group just for pregnant woman and then the group could hire a certified trainer for a few hours a week in the beginning to get the group on the right track.
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