Exercise During Pregnancy – Regaining the Energy

We’re all told that exercise is vital in our everyday lives. But, exercise during pregnancy is just as vital. Regular exercise can lead to a healthier pregnancy week by week. Some of the benefits of exercise during pregnancy include: • Regaining your figure more quickly after childbirthrn• Better sleep- exercise can help reduce restlessness during pregnancyrn• Greater oxygen supply for the baby, due to faster circulation of blood around the bodyrn• Increased flexibility, which makes labour easierrn• Heightened levels of serotonin, meaning your spirits are liftedrn• Reduced constipation • Better prepares the body for the physical strain of childbirthrn• Reduced stressrn• Chance for some much needed me-time. Enjoy time to look after yourself before the baby arrives! So now we know the benefits, what exactly are the types of exercise suitable for mum’s-to-be? • Swimming is a popular choice. Moving in water while pregnant provides resistance which helps strengthen the heart, lungs and muscles. It is also a low-impact sport, which reduces any risk of injury. Working out in a pool is also good for self-esteem as now matter how large your pregnancy belly, you will feel almost weightless! • Yoga is excellent in improving a pregnant woman’s balance, whilst also reducing stress. Yoga is another low-impact sport, which can be continued throughout all three trimesters. This is a great choice to alleviate those aches and pains which occur during pregnancy week by week. • Pilates toughens up the abdominal muscles which can actually help when pushing during labour. It also helps alleviate lower back ache. • And finally, walking is a simple but effective exercise. Not much advice needed with this activity, apart from ensure you have supportive footwear. Now you know which exercises are best during pregnancy, here are a few golden rules to follow: • Always remember to sufficiently warm up and cool downrn• Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise to avoid dehydrationrn• Stop right away if you feel faint or light-headedrn• Take a few deep breaths before any exercise to give your muscles an oxygen boostrn• Aim for four exercise sessions per weekrn• Always wear a sports brarn• If taking part in an exercise class, always inform the instructor that you are pregnant. This means that they can tell you whether a specific exercise is inappropriate in your condition. • Consult your doctor before undertaking any exercise program. Exercise during pregnancy can be extremely rewarding for both you and your baby. So give it a go and enjoy the benefits.