Many women find the bodily changes experienced during pregnancy to be disruptive to their daily routine. Complications can arise in association with pregnancy that make it more difficult to move or perform other activities. But what many women don't realize is that exercise can still be done while pregnant, and not only can it lead to a healthier baby, it can make the pregnancy easier -- and less draining.
Considerations
Before engaging in any exercise, consult your doctor and make sure you are cleared to exercise, as well as whether there are any limitations set on you. Most pregnant women are still able to exercise in some form, but it can vary depending on your health. Additionally, most women should avoid contact sports and/or activities in which they are likely to lose their balance and fall.
Schedule
A good approach, pending doctor approval, is to exercise a few times a week. These workout periods should be short and involving low-impact activities. Walking and swimming are great options, and some yoga and Pilates classes cater specifically to pregnant women. Other exercise classes for pregnant women are available at community and rec centers.
Limits
According to BabyCentre.co.uk, you should not exceed five days of exercise at any point in the pregnancy; doing so could impact the weight of your child, causing you to give birth to a low-weight baby. Additionally, these workout sessions should not be overly taxing on the body. You should only be aiming to gently elevate the heart rate. Intense exercise is strictly off-limits.
Warning
Be mindful of your body while exercising and on the lookout for any problematic developments. For example, you should stop exercising immediately if you are experiencing chest or tummy pain, leg joint pain, dizziness or faintness, shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding, struggles when walking or contractions.
Expert Insight
Exercise can help prevent or treat constipation, back aches fatigue and other problems that arise when you are pregnant. Whatever exercise you do, your goals should be to manage your weight gain, get your heart elevated and your blood circulating and prepare your muscles for labor and birthing. Exercise should not add any stress to your body or your baby but instead contribute to a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
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