Fitness matters!!Disclaimer
Keeping fit throughout pregnancy is always a healthy choice to stay active and to feel good. It’s better to beat all the pregnancy fatigue by indulging yourself in a regular exercise routine, as it can significantly reduce discomforts such as backache and improve your posture. It is also scientifically proven that regular physical activity may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), make you get rid of stress, and provide the stamina required to undergo delivery.
If physical activities were a part of your daily routine before your pregnancy, you could continue your activities in moderation. However, it is advisable to avoid intense workouts and only do what is comfortable for you during this time.
If you have never exercised habitually before, you can begin with walking and low-intensity aerobics but never try a new, strenuous activity. Thirty minutes or more of moderate exercise a day will contribute to your overall well-being unless you have a pregnancy complication.
Who shouldn’t exercise during pregnancy?
Exercises may not be recommended if you have a pre-existing medical problem, such as heart disease or asthma. Physical activities can also end up harmful if you have pregnancy-related issues. It can be any of these conditions:
• Bleeding or spotting
• Low-lying placenta
• Threatened or recurrent abortions
• Previous premature births or early miscarriage
• Weak cervix
What Exercises Are Safe During Pregnancy?
Most exercises are considered to be safe during pregnancy, as long as you don’t overdo them. A couple of safe and productive activities are brisk walking, mild jogging, and low-impact aerobics. Such activities usually benefit your entire body and can be continued until birth. Stretching exercises can also be very helpful during pregnancy.
Basic guidelines:
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and fully supportive footwear.
• Exercise on a flat surface to avoid injuries.
• Consume enough calories to meet the needs of your pregnancy and your exercise routine.
• Try to have food at least one hour before workouts.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your exercise sessions.
Also, it’s very common for many women to pull back on exercise, as fatigue and nausea can make their exercise routine overwhelming, and even the motivation tends to dwindle. However, it’s considered safe to begin workouts, even if you weren’t a fitness-nut before pregnancy.
Again, it can be undoubtedly said that it’s always better to seek your doctor’s advice before giving a kick-start to your new exercise regime.