Just because you are expecting doesn’t mean you should quit moving. It is actually very important for you to get your regular dose of exercise while on the family way because it can work very much to your advantage. Medical experts say that exercising helps give you more energy and prevent unnecessary weight gain. They add that it may lower your risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia — a pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure and fluid retention. As a bonus, staying fit while pregnant can help ward off lower back pain, and even cut short your labor time!
However, not all exercises are good for you. There are some that can help you stay in the pink of health without causing any unfavorable effect on you and your little one. If you’re an expecting mom, read on to know some exercises that are known to be favorable for you. However, before attempting to get on with your chosen routines, remember to tell your doctor about it. You may start as soon as he or she gives you the go signal.
Swimming
This low impact exercise is perfect for a pregnant woman like you. The weightlessness that happens when you’re submerged in water helps reduce the negative effects of the added pounds to your joints. All the movement you have to do while swimming targets major muscle groups in the core body as well as your arms and legs.
Walking
Taking a walk is enjoyable and effective in strengthening your cardiovascular system and burning excess pounds. Especially if you’re wearing a pair of good shoes, this form of exercise superb for expecting women is easy on the weight-bearing joints. No matter what trimester you are in, walking is a good form of exercise for you.
Jogging
If you want a more challenging exercise than walking, opt for jogging. However, you should always prioritize your safety. For most pregnant women, going for some brisk walking is a much better idea than jogging. Also, remember to start at a slow pace and cover short distances at first if you’re new to the world of jogging.
Dancing
Opting for this type of exercise helps work out your various muscles and lets you express yourself in an artistic manner. It’s a great idea to join dance classes although it’s something that you may do on your own in the comfort of your home. Definitely, you should avoid moves that can be risky, such as jumping, leaping and twirling.
Weight Training
Toning your muscles allows you to stay in a great shape and remain strong while you are carrying a baby in your belly. You should certainly steer clear of lifting heavy weights as well as doing routines that require you to assume positions that are unsafe for a pregnant woman like you. Focus on lifting lighter weights and doing more reps.
Yoga
By doing yoga, you will find it easy to maintain the flexibility of your muscles and joints. Consider joining a yoga class exclusive for expecting moms. If you wish to do it at home, opt for positions that won’t put you and your baby in danger. For instance, you should avoid routines that require you to lie on your back.
Pilates
Opting for this form of exercise that is almost similar to yoga is recommendable. That’s because pilates helps in strengthening and lengthening your core muscles. It’s something that can help prevent lower back pain that a pregnant woman like you is highly susceptible of experiencing.
These are some of the best exercises for women who are on the family way. Always put your safety and that of your baby first. Stop exercising right away and get in touch with your doctor if you experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, heart palpitations, chest pain, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
