The Great Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy can be challenging. Experts agree that women require a moderate amount of regular exercise during pregnancy. Gone are the days when women were advised to put up their feet and take it easy during pregnancy. If you have high-risk pregnancy, talk to doctor before beginning an exercise program. If your pregnancy is low-risk, then exercise should be part of your daily routine.

Here are some of the most common forms of safe exercise during pregnancy:

Walking

Many women opt for walking as their main form of exercise. This low impact exercise requires not much more than a comfortable pair of shoes and breathable clothing. You can walk outdoors and enjoy nature or if the weather is an issue, you can walk indoors at a mall or indoor circuit. Walking will increase your heart rate gradually as you maintain a steady pace making this one of the most popular forms of exercise for pregnant women.

Running

Women who were runners prior to becoming pregnant can continue to run during their pregnancies, too. Higher intensity exercise, like running, needs to be taken on with a bit more caution than lighter intensity exercise, like walking. Because pregnancy causes the ligaments and tendons of the body to relax, pregnant women may be at a higher risk for certain injuries. Generally, pregnant women should never exercise to the point of exhaustion and should avoid sprinting and anything else that causes breathlessness.

Swimming

Swimming is another excellent form of exercise that strengthens the cardiovascular system while exercising nearly every muscle in the human body. Swimming can also alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. Pregnant women often love the water because of its anti-gravity effects: women can find relief from their heavy bellies in the water.

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga is an excellent form of exercise during pregnancy. This low impact method uses the body's own weight and limitations to provide a well-rounded and balanced routine. Women, who are already into Yoga, tend to continue their yoga lifestyle during pregnancy, which benefits their bodies and alleviates many of the aches and pains that occur during pregnancy.

Guided Exercise

Joining a gym is a great way to get exercise during pregnancy that is tailored for pregnant women and guided by a personal instructor. At a gym a pregnant woman can make use of cardiovascular exercise aids such as the treadmill, stationary bikes and classes amongst others. Exercising in a controlled environment provides a certain level of comfort and safety that is key for a pregnant woman to feel at ease and enjoy her workout routine.

Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy

The Great Benefits of Exercise During PregnancyDuring the first trimester, exercise during pregnancy has the potential to alleviate nausea. As you enter the second trimester, your center of gravity may begin to change. From this period on, paying special attention to your balance during exercise will help safeguard you against injuries. During the third trimester you may find yourself slowing down, no matter what activity you have chosen as exercise. This is normal, and despite feeling very heavy and perhaps tired, you should try your best to continue your exercise regimen.

Keep in Mind

Exercise during pregnancy can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Sometimes you feel sick, other times tired. Though regular exercise during pregnancy may be challenging, the benefits you and your baby will reap are many. Exercise can help you manage weight gain, and perhaps more importantly, regular exercise definitely improves your body image as your pregnancy progresses. Despite the many changes that you will experience as a pregnant woman, a fit, active nine months will have you reveling in the many amazing things your body can do.