Pregnancy And Exercise
PREGNANCY AND EXERCISE – Exercise is recommended during
pregnancy, but doing too little or too much can affect your baby. In
addition, some activities may not be safe for pregnant women, even if
you’ve been doing them for several years before conception. Here are
some of the most common questions about pregnancy and exercise:
- What exercises are safe to do while pregnant?
Generally, exercise during pregnancy is considered safe for most
healthy women. It can relieve some of the discomforts experienced
while pregnant. Health organizations recommend that pregnant women
focus on non-weight-bearing activities. Walking is the most
recommended workout, particularly for women new to exercise. Jogging
is okay if done in moderation, but make sure to take note of your
body temperature and avoid overheating. Another safe exercise is
swimming, which helps in strengthening your whole body while keeping
your body cool.
- What exercises should I avoid?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends
that you avoid activities that require an enormous amount of
balance. You should also avoid contact sports, where you could
injure yourself, fall, shake your baby or be struck in the abdomen.
Some of the activities to avoid include basketball, baseball,
softball, water or snow skiing, scuba diving, horseback riding and
weight training.
- Is any kind of Yoga Class ideal for pregnant women?
 Different kinds of mind-body classes, such as Pilates, yoga and tai
chi are becoming more and more popular with pregnant women. These
types of classes help in managing stress and introduce a new method
of relaxation. Although you can find various tapes readily available
in the market, make sure to avoid extremely challenging yoga
positions or ask your health provider which tape is recommended for
your particular condition.
- How can I safely exercise while pregnant?
Exercise can be bad for your health if you do it to the point of
exhaustion. Avoid exercising while lying on your back, particularly
when you reach your second and third trimesters. Don’t choose
workouts that could cause trauma to your abdomen. While exercising,
drink plenty of water and always wear loose-fitting and lightweight
clothing. Regardless of the type of exercise you choose, make sure
to watch your balance because the extra weight on your abdomen
normally leads to balance problems.
- Are there instances that pregnant women are not allowed to
perform any exercises?
Pregnant women with heart disease, hypertension, preeclampsia and
risks of preterm labor may be advised to limit or avoid physical
activities throughout their pregnancy. To be sure, check with your
doctor about any exercise program you wish to perform before getting
started.
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