Exercise While You Are Pregnant - Is It Good For You?
September 25th, 2007Exercise during pregnancy, is it good for you? In the past women were told never to exercise when pregnant because it could harm the baby. Things have really changed. Today moderate to light exercise is encouraged and believed to be good for both you and your baby. They will have to be modified to suit your stage of pregnancy and there are certain exercises that you need to stay away from while pregnant. Talk to your health care provided and let them help you determine which exercises can benefit you the most during your pregnancy. Only they know your overall health issues and can advise you the best accordingly.
First of all, exercising will help to keep both you and your unborn baby healthier and stronger. This will allow you to be more active during and immediately after your delivery. It will also help to make labor easier and possibly even faster. Exercise helps you learn how to control your breathing which is very important during this time. Exercise makes you feel and look better by increasing the blood flow throughout your body. This can help reduce swelling and give your skin a healthy natural glow. One thing that a lot of women worry about when they are pregnant is whether or not they will be able to regain their old body back again. Keep in mind that the more physically fit you are when you become pregnant the faster you can accomplish this.
Exercise during pregnancy can help to relieve back pain and improve your posture. If you suffer from constipation, exercise can help. It can reduce stress and relieve anxiety which in turn can help you sleep better and feel better. When exercising if you begin to feel tired or dizzy, then you may want to stop the routine at this time. Also discontinue exercising and talk to your doctor if you experience pain in your back or pelvis and if it becomes hard to breath. Avoid any exercises that require bouncing, leaping, twisting the abdomen or any that require a sudden change in direction as these can cause you injury when pregnant.
Women that were not exercising before they got pregnant may be able to start a light routine under the advice of their doctor. If you already had a program going they can help you make it more suitable while you are pregnant. Since the type of exercises you will be allowed to do will depend on your general health, it is important that you keep your doctor well informed on how you feel. The most important thing during this time is the health and well-being of both you and your baby so follow the advice of your doctor carefully.