When your mother was pregnant, her doctor probably told her getting some exercise during pregnancy was dangerous. But we’ve found nothing could be further from the truth. Pregnancy exercise makes you, your baby and your pregnancy healthier. It also may make your labor and birth a little easier.
- You feel better during your pregnancy. You’ll probably notice that your back hurts less (click here for an article about preventing back pain) and you have fewer aches and pains as your belly gets bigger.
- Helps you sleep better. You’ll probably notice in the first and third trimester that you feel tired. This is because of pregnancy hormones. The good news is that exercising helps you sleep better at night.
- Helps prevent constipation. Pregnancy often leads to constipation which then leads to hemorrhoids. But exercising helps keep the bowels moving preventing constipation.
- Exercise during pregnancy may help with other pregnancy complications. Most doctors now recommend that women with gestational diabetes get some exercise to help control blood sugar levels. Some studies also say that pregnancy exercise may help prevent high blood pressure and preeclampsia.
- Labor will be easier. Pregnancy exercise increases your endurance which may help you get through labor. You may also find pushing a baby out to be more manageable. Many pregnancy exercises like yoga also include breathing, which experts agree is a great comfort technique during labor.
The information in this article is not medical advice. This information is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure anything during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum time. Always check with your care provider before following any advice from theonlybabystop.com.
- Try to avoid overheating. If you’re pregnant in the summer months, you should exercise outside in the evening or mornings when it’s cooler. You should also make sure you drink plenty of fluids during exercise and afterwards to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid doing exercises flat on the back. Lying flat on your back in pregnancy and exercising may decrease the blood flow to the baby.
- Avoid contact sports. Due to the risks of being hit in the stomach, pregnant women shouldn’t play football, soccer or basketball.
- Avoid exercises that may cause falls. Falls from horsebacks, skis or snow boards may end up injuring the baby and should be avoided in pregnancy.
- Scuba diving is also not a good idea. Be sure to speak to your care provider about any other pregnancy exercise concerns you have.
It’s good for pregnant women to continue their daily exercise regime until they no longer feel like it. If your daily exercises including running, yoga, Pilates, walking, biking or swimming continue doing it. Aim for about half an hour of exercise most days of the week. Once you reach the point when you can’t exercise for as long, are in pain or are panting during exercising slow down or decrease your workout.
If you haven’t been exercising, discuss ways to start healthy exercise during pregnancy with your care provider. Usually they’ll recommend you start off small with some light walking before you work up to other pregnancy exercise.