Pregnancy can be a wonderful time in woman’s life. A baby growing inside of you can feel like a miracle; and it can also make you feel a little off your game. If you’re a person who is used to being physically active pregnancy can be a bit of an adjustment. Or perhaps you are someone who has recently committed to a diet and exercise plan to help foster a healthy pregnancy. Either way, pregnancy exercise is well within the limits of a healthy pregnancy and something that can help you feel in control of your body a little more as you make this incredible journey.
First and foremost, pregnancy exercise at any fitness level is only meant for those women who are experiencing healthy, uneventful pregnancies. Further, regardless of what pregnancy exercise you want to try - at any time during your pregnancy - you should always check with your doctor beforehand.
Generally during the first trimester, women are permitted to continue with an exercise program that has already been established. This does not mean that now that you are pregnant you should start running every day if you haven’t been running up until this point. Do not engage in new exercise - this is not the time. But if you are feeling well, are not experiencing any bleeding, and have been given approval from your doctor, it is safe to continue with your previous exercise routine. You may find, however, that as pregnancy exercise, this previously simple routine has become more difficult. Fatigue, upset stomach, and a myriad of other early pregnancy symptoms may hinder your physical performance.
Walking during the first trimester - and throughout pregnancy - can be a wonderful pregnancy exercise. It gets your heart pumping without putting unnecessary strain on your joints.
During the second trimester, when you begin to feel well again, your energy level may suddenly increase. With the blessing of your doctor, you may want to engage in more strenuous activity. Again, it completely depends on your level of health and the advice of your doctor.
No matter what pregnancy exercise you do engage in, you should always pay close attention to your pulse rate to be sure you are not over-exerting yourself. Be sure to drink plenty of water - more than you may be accustomed to drinking - to protect yourself against dehydration.
The third trimester can continue as the second but an ever-expanding belly may prevent you from accomplishing some pregnancy exercise. Adjust your expectations as your situation continues to change and check in with your doctor every step of the way. Remember that has your due date nears you need to be vigilant to signs of labor. Use care with pregnancy exercise at this time.
Michelle Bery
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/staying-healthy-with-pregnancy-exercise-84383.html
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Comments
Starting exercise in pregnancy??
i am going to have a natural labor( waterbirth) and i know i need to be in optimum shape for it. i am not fat or anything ( im 5′2 weigh 124 lbs-at 19 weeks) but i am starting to get cellulite on my butt and the back of my legs, and i have a layer of fat on my stomach that makes it kinda lumpy. baiscally i want a light exercise routine just to stay healthy, not gain too much weight, and keep my muscle tone up (esp. on legs and butt) i have a somewhat physical job (dog groomer) but i dont lift anything heavy(anymore) and walk around too much, mainly just use my arms alot, i am sitting like half the time at work.
i am going to start swimming once weather warms up but until then need ideas for exercise.
a friend of mine recommended 30 mins a day of walking, which sounds good, what else could i do??
what are some of the things you guys did during pregnancy to stay in shape??
walking is good… swimming is great…. try some yoga (they have mommy yoga videos) maybe a few step ups
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Walking is very good. If you don’t have time to do a 30 minute block of walking, then split it up into 10 minute increments throughout the day. Swimming is great exercise, both while pregnant and while not being pregnant; just make sure that you don’t overexert yourself as you get closer to your due date. Simple aerobics and/or a pregnancy yoga class can be good for helping with muscle control.
As for trying to not gain too much weight, just eat smart. Don’t overdo it with the starches or fatty foods (especially fried foods and sweets). Keep yourself very well-hydrated, and don’t try to diet to lose weight. Ask your doctor for help in what would be best to eat.
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so simple exercising will do.. swimming is very gd cos the water will support your weight. u can try simple stretching exercise. walking is good towards the end of your pregancy term as this will prepare the baby for natural labour. but do consult your doctor prior to ANY exercise!
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This is a good video — I have done it and enjoyed it. Easy enough to do and safe as well.
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http://store.kiddievillage.com/catalog.php?act=view_prod_info&id_prod=19052&i=&l=&sid=d4695b77d8eab21171104f302a81a46e
hey i’m pregnant and this article I read on "exercising when you’re expecting" really helped out. I’ll put the site in the source section.
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http://babyzone.com/loadpage/article.asp?contentid=1097
You should check with your doctor first if you did not exercise prior to pregnancy. Walking is good for any pregnant woman. Just don’t wear yourself out. If you feel dizzy or cramping stop. Also make sure you drink water before, during and after exercising. If you don’t, you’ll notice that the baby will move less because you are dehydrating him/her. Also, it is not recommend to try and loose weight when pregnant. You’ll have to wait to do that after birth. Personally, I usually use the tread climber/ elliptical for about 30 minutes ever other day and then I lift hand weights (no more than 10 pounds) for 20 minutes or so afterward. They recommend you don’t do exercises where you lay flat on your back. I also like squats with a fitness ball and thigh compressions with the machine that makes you squeeze your thighs together. I’ve heard that water aerobics and swimming are also good. Visit fitpregnancy.com. They have good articles.
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fitpregnancy.com
23 weeks pregnant w/ a boy