Exercising Tips For Pregnant Women
Navigating the journey of pregnancy can be exciting as well as challenging for the mother-to-be. If you love exercising or are wondering whether or not exercising is safe during pregnancy, you have come to the right place. Maintaining an active lifestyle plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of the mother-to-be and the baby as well. In this blog, we will understand the importance and safety measures of fitness during pregnancy. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or new to exercise, our expert tips and advice will help you navigate this beautiful phase of life with confidence and vitality.
Can you Exercise When Pregnant?
If you already follow a pregnancy exercise routine then, providing your GP agrees, there is no reason why you shouldn’t’ continue. Exercise during pregnancy strengthens and tones muscles, some of which you'll be using during your labour and birth. It also increases the circulation of blood between you and your baby. Pregnancy Exercises decrease many of the discomforts you may experience during pregnancy (such as backache), improves your energy levels and helps you to feel good emotionally. For the first few weeks of a new programme you should exercise in short sessions, up to 3 times a week. Start with a warm-up, followed by 15 minutes of aerobic activity and finish with some simple stretches and breathing exercises.
Safety Comes First When Exercising During Pregnancy
While exercise for pregnant women is great for herself and her baby, there are a few precautions that you should take.
Here are some tips for exercising during pregnancy
Always check with your doctor before starting any new form of exercise.
Stop straight away if you feel faint, light headed or breathless during exercise.
Try to keep your exercise regime at about 30 minutes.
Always include a warm-up and a cool-down period (in addition to the 30 minutes of exercise).
Listen to your body and don't push it
Avoid sudden jerking or bouncing movements or quick changes in position.
Limit aerobic activity to the low-impact variety, especially if you weren't exercising regularly before getting pregnant. Brisk walking, swimming and riding a stationary bicycle can be good options.
If you take an aerobics class, make sure that the instructor knows you're pregnant.
Protect your abdominal and lower-back muscles by using good posture and by avoiding exercises that will strain them, like full sit-ups or raising both legs off the floor at the same time. Instead, do 'mini' sit-ups (see below), and when doing leg lifts, raise one leg off the floor at a time, keeping the other leg bent with your foot on the floor.
It is important not to exercise on your back once you start to get big, so from the fourth month onwards adapt any exercise that you would normally do lying flat so that you are sitting, standing or lying on your side
Avoid over-heating: Drink plenty of water, and don't exercise in hot, humid conditions.
And remember, always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy.
Birthing Exercises During Pregnancy
You can perform these two easy exercises each day during pregnancy to prepare your muscles for the big job of giving birth. Pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy These can strengthen the muiscles that support the womb, bladder and bowel, which can get stretched during pregnancy and could led to incontinence. Exercise these frequency by drawing in the back passage as if to avoid passing wind and hold for a count of 10. It can be good to do up to three sets of eight ten each day. While you are exercising make sure to listen to what your body tells you. Pain is usually a signal that something is not right. Let your doctor know if you experience any discomforts. Visit our healthy pregnancy section for more tips & guide to staying healthy during pregnancy. Also find out ways of avoiding stretchmarks during pregnancy.
From week by week expert tips on pregnancy calendar to new born baby care tips, Pampers India is here to guide you through the amazing journey of early parenthood.
Is It Safe To Workout During Pregnancy?
Workout during pregnancy or antenatal care exercising is generally considered safe and even beneficial for several reasons. That being said, it is important to get approval and appropriate guidelines from your doctor. Engaging in regular physical activity during pregnancy strengthens and tones muscles, some of which will be vital during labour and birth. Moreover, antenatal care exercise enhances blood circulation between the mother-to-be and the baby, contributing to their overall health. It helps to deal with common pregnancy discomforts like backache and lethargy. It can make the mother-to-be feel emotionally and mentally strong.
If you wish to start new workouts while pregnant, it is always advisable to start with short sessions up to three times a week. Do not forget to include a warm-up, simple stretches and breathing exercises in your routine. This structured approach can help you ease into antenatal care exercises safely and effectively. Overall, a monitored routine for workouts while pregnant can be a positive experience for you and the baby.
Importance of antenatal exercise
Engaging in regular workouts during pregnancy is crucial for the overall health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Physical activity helps strengthen and tone muscles, which can be particularly beneficial during labour and delivery. It also promotes better blood circulation and helps get rid of fatigue. Additionally, regular workouts can enhance emotional and mental health, helping expectant mothers feel more energetic and positive.
Types of workouts during pregnant
You can resort to the following antenatal care exercises upon consultation with your healthcare provider.
1. Walking
Taking a brisk walk can be a great way to work out while pregnant without straining your joints and muscles.
2. Swimming or Water workouts
Swimming is a gentle antenatal care exercise. The water helps support your baby's weight, making it easier on your body. It also increases your heart rate and can relieve back pain.
3. Yoga and Pilates
You can modify your yoga and pilates routine to adjust to your growing belly. Consult with your healthcare provider and also your fitness coach about poses that may be unsafe during pregnancy.
4. Riding a stationary bike
Riding a stationary bike is safer than a regular bike as it rules out the likelihood of falling off the bike. As your belly grows, you can ride a stationary bike comfortably and maintain your fitness during pregnancy.
5. Strength training
Strength training is an excellent way of making your bones stronger and building muscle. To maintain your fitness during pregnancy, you can lift lighter weights. You can talk to your doctor to understand how much weight would be ideal for you.
6. Low-impact aerobics classes
You can engage in low-impact aerobics like an elliptical machine. Since most of these exercises are performed with one foot on the ground or equipment at all times, they are comparatively safer and more appropriate workouts while pregnant.
What kinds of activities are not safe for pregnant women
Check with your doctor and be careful while engaging in the following activities.
1. Jerky, bouncy movements that can make your trip
Any activity that causes jerky or bouncy movements or may cause you to fall like horseback riding, downhill skiing, off-road cycling, gymnastics or skating is best avoided during pregnancy.
2. Sports that can hurt the belly
Any sport like ice hockey, boxing, soccer or basketball that can injure your belly should be avoided.
3. Extreme water sports
Avoid activities that cause the water to hit your body with great force. This can include water sports like skiing, surfing or diving.
4. Exercising in hot and humid environments
Avoid activities like hot yoga that can raise your body temperature. It is also advisable to limit your time in the sauna to 15 minutes at the most and not more than 10 minutes in a hot tub.
When should you stop exercising? What are the warning signs?
Some of the warning signs can be feeling strained, breathless or light-headed. Immediately stop exercising if you experience any of these signs.
Stop exercising immediately if you experience bleeding from the vagina, chest pain, fast heartbeat, troubled breathing, dizziness, headaches, muscle weakness, swelling or pain in the lower legs or contractions.
If you were not exercising before getting pregnant, try to stay away from aerobic activities. Brisk walking, swimming and riding a stationary bicycle can be good options instead.
Protect your abdominal and lower back muscles by maintaining a good posture. Refrain from exercises like full sit-ups or raising both legs off the floor at the same time that can strain the abdominal muscles.
Final Takeaway
Maintaining a consistent routine for workouts during pregnancy can be beneficial for the mother-to-be as well as the baby. It not only helps enhance the physique but also the emotional well-being of the expectant mother. However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning or continuing any exercise regimen to ensure safety. Follow the tips and notes shared in this guide for your fitness during pregnancy and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth, healthy pregnancy.