Exercise During Pregnancy

Gone are the days when women were advised to put up their feet and take it easy during pregnancy. Experts agree that a healthy pregnancy requires a moderate amount of regular exercise. If you have high-risk pregnancy, talk to doctor before beginning an exercise program. If your pregnancy is low-risk, then exercise should be part of your daily routine.

Exercise during pregnancy can be challenging, but it can also be a great way to improve or maintain a healthy body image. Many women opt for walking as their main form of exercise. Walking is accessible to almost everyone, making it the most popular form of exercise. Swimming is another excellent form of exercise that strengthens the cardiovascular system. Swimming can also alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. Pregnant women often love the water because of its anti-gravity effects: women can find relief from their heavy bellies in the water. Prenatal yoga is another popular choice for pregnant women. Women who were runners prior to becoming pregnant can continue to run during pregnancies, too. Higher intensity exercise, like running, needs to be taken on with a bit more caution than lighter intensity exercise, like walking. Because pregnancy causes the ligaments and tendons of the body to relax, pregnant women may  be at a higher risk for certain injuries. Generally, pregnant women should never exercise to the point of exhaustion and should avoid sprinting and anything else that causes breathlessness. Feeling like you are able to carry on a conversation while you exercise is a good way to ensure that you are not

During the first trimester, exercise has the potential to alleviate nausea. As you enter the second trimester, your center of gravity may begin to change. From this period on, paying special attention to your balance during exercise will help safeguard you against injuries. During the third trimester you may find yourself slowing down, no matter what activity you have chosen as exercise. This is normal, and despite feeling very heavy and perhaps tired, you should try your best to continue your exercise regimen.

Exercise during pregnancy can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Sometimes you feel sick, other times tired. Though regular exercise during pregnancy may be challenging, the benefits you and your baby will reap are many. Exercise can help you manage weight gain, and perhaps more importantly, regular exercise definitely improves your body image as your pregnancy progresses. Despite the many changes that you will experience as a pregnant woman, a fit, active nine months will have you reveling in the many amazing things your body can do.