Staying Fit While Pregnant
Exercise keeps you healthy during most of life and
pregnancy is no exception. It is safe to exercise throughout
your entire pregnancy providing your pregnancy is following a
normal course and your doctor has not objected. Exercise can
give a pregnant woman many benefits including strengthening and
toning of the pelvic muscles used during labor and to support
the fetus as well as to release endorphins which are the "feel
good" chemicals. Proper posture and technique while exercising
can reduce backaches and also maintain joint flexibility.
Staying physically active can also improve your sleep and we
all know that pregnant women get precious little of that
especially towards the end of pregnancy.
Three common safe exercises to do during pregnancy are
called, "spinning", pelvic strengtheners, and of course
swimming. There are benefits to all three of these
exercises.
Swimming can help relieve back and leg discomfort felt
during the pregnancy and it is a very good cardiovascular
exercise so you are improving your heart health as well.
Swimming is an all over body exercise. Swimming also can help
to make joints more flexible.
Spinning is when riders "spin" stationary bike pedals in
unison to the commands of an instructor. The workout is
typically vigorous and there is usually mood lighting and
music. Spinning is fun and is safe for all non-risk pregnancies
as long as your pregnancy caregiver does not object. You will
want to keep in mind some safety tips for those who spin while
pregnant including making sure that you drink plenty of water.
It is important to stay well-hydrated while pregnant and any
kind of exercise and quickly dehydrate you. It is especially
important to keep your core temperature within a safe range
during pregnancy but especially during the first trimester.
Water helps your body to regulate temperature.
It is also very important to go at your own pace. You should
be careful and pay attention to how your body is feeling during
any exercise. Anytime you feel dizzy, faint, or feel nausea
creeping up, you may be exercising too vigorously, stop and
rest. Jumps on the bike should be reduced or avoided altogether
as your pregnancy progresses. You also need to be careful when
riding out of the seat because all pregnant women experience a
change in the center of gravity because of the expanding
abdomen it may be possible to lose your balance while being out
of the seat.
Many exercises can be done to strengthen pelvic muscles such
as 'Kegels' and isometric abdominal contractions it is also
important to be aware to constantly hold in your stomach
muscles.
As with most things while pregnant it is important to check
with your caregiver regarding what is safe to do and ask for
any special instructions while
exercising.
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