Historically, women have worked in the fields and at other difficult manual labor tasks when pregnant. They had no choice. Their survival and their family’s survival depended on it. Was it safe? Many tasks they did were, even though we’d call them an intense workout, by today’s standards. They continued to do what they always did before they became pregnant, but we don’t live like that anymore. Doctors usually recommend you continue to exercise if you did it before pregnancy. If you’ve never exercised, start slowly and don’t push yourself. Taking the advice of your healthcare professional should be the top priority.
Everyone and every pregnancy is different.
It’s easier to understand how two women might approach exercising during pregnancy differently. Even if you exercised during your last pregnancy, seek your doctor’s advice. Every pregnancy is also different. The amount and type of exercise recommended depends on your history of miscarriages, premature births, the strength of your cervix, any spotting you may have had during your pregnancy, and your medical history should also be considered. Your doctor will make recommendations. They may include not exercising in the heat, avoiding contact sports, and switching to a stationary bike instead of a regular bike as your center of gravity changes.
Choose exercises that are easy if you’ve lived a sedentary lifestyle.
While you might be able to survive on an island alone and do tasks requiring a lot of exertion, you don’t have to, so why take the chance with your life and the life of the baby? If you’re starting a program of exercise, take it easy. Stick to walking, riding a stationary bike, swimming, or using a step machine. Even if you’ve regularly exercised, avoid high-impact exercises and ones that put undue pressure on the abdomen, like sit-ups.
There are good reasons to exercise during pregnancy.
Exercising during pregnancy makes delivery easier. It can reduce weight gain and keep it manageable, making it easier to return to your pre-baby body. Keeping weight gain under control can help prevent gestational high blood pressure and diabetes. It can make delivery easier, too. That can benefit the baby. It can improve your immunity, reduce morning sickness, improve sleep, and help keep you and the baby healthy.
- Some exercises are particularly good for strengthening the pelvic floor. Kegel exercises help with delivery. The kneeling or standing pelvic tilt helps relieve back pain that can occur when you’re pregnant. ‘
- Exercising before and during pregnancy and after delivery is a healthy option that improves the chances of a healthy mom and baby. After delivery, short walks are a good way to start back to an active lifestyle.
- Even if you’re fit, avoid exercises that cause you to twist at the waist. Avoid high-impact, high-intensity workouts and holding your breath while stretching and bouncing to stretch.
- You can prepare your arms to hold the baby for longer periods by doing arm exercises with light weights. Using wrist weights while you walk also prepares you. Never attempt to lift any weights when lying on your back.
For more information, contact us today at Rising Fitness Gym