Exercises during Pregnancy
January 21, 2010
Pregnancy is a beautiful period in a woman’s life. It makes her feel euphoric, emotional, and a little off too. For women who are used to being in control of their lives and always being active, pregnancy can shake their balance a bit. They might have decided to follow a nutritious diet with some exercise for a healthy pregnancy. Exercise is a good option for women who want to feel at least a little in control of their pregnancy and at the same time ensure that it is healthy. The same can be true for you.
At any given time during time in your pregnancy, if you wish to exercise, always check with and get the approval of your physician. Exercise is recommended only for women who are having smooth, uneventful and normal pregnancies.
If you are in your first trimester and wish to exercise, you can continue with a gentler version of the exercise you were doing before you got pregnant. Do not start any new exercise just because it is good to exercise. If you are someone who has not done any exercise before you were pregnant, do not start off when you are pregnant just because it is recommended. For those women who are fine and have been given the permission by the doctor, continuing the previous routine is usually safe. During the pregnancy allow for the fact that the exercises that were easy earlier will seem quite difficult now. Do not get disheartened. Morning sickness, fatigue, stomach problems, and backaches can be some of the reasons for being unable to exercise like you did before the pregnancy.
For the first trimester, you could just walk around the block or in the neighborhood park. Even a simple thing such as a walk would constitute good exercise. Walking exercises your entire body and does not strain your joints. As you enter the second trimester, your energy levels will increase, and so can the intensity of your exercise. It is always better to check with your doctor before stepping up the exercise, though. If you decide to exercise, always make sure that you are careful and gentle. Drink more fluids than normal to prevent dehydration, and ensure that you do not overdo on the exercise.
During the third trimester, you can continue with the exercise you did in the second trimester, though you might not be able to do it as well due to your growing stomach. Adjust your exercises and expectations accordingly. Also check with your doctor regarding the level and intensity of exercises you can safely do. Stop if at any point you feel any pain or discomfort. Also keep in mind your due date, and check for signs of labor while exercising. Be extremely careful while exercising during this period.
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