It is always critical to take care of your body, but when you’re pregnant, it is even more essential than is usually the case. That’s because you have a life growing inside of you, and for that fetus to have the best chance of becoming a healthy infant, you need to make smart decisions about your diet and your physical routine. Because of that, it is common for women to ask their doctors if they should exercise during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know in response to that question.
Yes, You Should Exercise
The simple answer is that yes, you can and should exercise during pregnancy. Exercise keeps you strong and physically fit, and that makes you a better incubator for the life that is growing within you. Activity increases blood circulation, and that’s helpful for the fetus as well. The only thing you should remember is that some kinds of exercise are permissible when you’re pregnant, and some are not. Also, some sorts are suitable for women in the first or the second trimester, but not in the third.
Yoga During Pregnancy
Some exercises are just fine for the entire length of your pregnancy, or the majority of it, at least. Yoga is probably one of the safest kinds of exercise because certain types are specifically tailored for expecting mothers. These forms of yoga are low impact and focus on keeping you limber. By doing them, you can improve your posture, decrease your fatigue, and it can help with an aching back as well.
Other Exercises
You can also walk briskly, swim, or do low impact aerobics taught by a certified instructor. If you are exercising close to the due date, though, be aware of any contractions. You can learn what you need to know about timing contractions through certain websites and equipment you can buy. That way, you’ll know if what you’re experiencing is the start of childbirth or a false alarm.
What to Avoid
Most high-impact exercises are to be avoided even if you are in the early stages of pregnancy. You’re not going to want to do something like boxing, kickboxing, or any martial art where there’s any chance of you being struck by someone or something. You won’t want to lift heavy weights, and any of the more intense aerobic classes are out as well.
The best thing that you can do if you want to exercise when pregnant is to be in regular contact with your primary caregiver so that they can advise you if you have any queries. They will likely have some literature for you to read as well, but most doctors don’t mind if you call them with a question at any time. They want to help you to bring this new life into the world, and if they are experienced prenatal caregivers, then there’s probably not much they haven’t seen or heard.
You should plan on being active during pregnancy as well as making smart choices about your nutrition, your sleep schedule, and every other aspect of your life. That is the best way to be sure that you won’t have any regrets later, and that your labor and delivery will go well.