A Guide for Expecting Moms To Stay Active and Safe
A comprehensive guide for pregnant women, providing tips, exercises, and safety measures to stay active and healthy during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, expecting mothers should spend at least 150 minutes weekly for moderate-intensity exercise. However, while keeping your health fit and fine, it is essential to ensure safety guidelines while performing pregnancy exercises to avoid any mishap or injury that can lead to complications. Let's learn the importance of exercise, top pregnancy exercises, and precautions you can follow to ensure your body's safety and the baby's health.
The Top Five Benefits of Staying Active During Pregnancy
Staying active during pregnancy has several benefits, from mental to physical level. Here are some benefits of staying active during the pregnancy journey:
Calm Mood and Energy Levels
Pregnancy exercise releases endorphins, which are often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. This hormonal boost can help improve mood swings and upscale your energy levels.
Reduced Pregnancy Discomfort
Regular yoga during pregnancy is essential for managing common pains like back pain. Simple exercises like walking or prenatal yoga can improve posture and relieve discomfort.
Good Sleep Cycle
Physical activity and sleep quality are interlinked; the effect of one will impact the other. Exercise can help you fall asleep more quickly and enjoy a deeper and more restful sleep.
Minimum Risk of Gestational Diabetes
By pregnancy exercise, you can regulate your blood sugar levels, reducing your risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Increase Labor and Delivery Experience
Regular exercise strengthens your muscles and boosts your endurance. These benefits can be particularly useful during labor and delivery.
Types of Safe Exercises for Expecting Moms
Choosing the right kind of exercise during pregnancy can be overwhelming. As a part of pregnancy tips, here are some of the safe and effective exercise options available:
Walking
Walking is a low-impact exercise that’s easy on your joints and can be done throughout all trimesters. It’s also a great way to get fresh air and enjoy nature.
Swimming
Swimming provides a full-body workout without putting strain on your joints. The buoyancy of the water supports your increasing weight, making it an excellent option for those experiencing back pain.
Stationary Biking
Stationary biking allows you to control the pace and resistance, offering a good cardiovascular workout that minimizes stress on your knees and ankles.
Light Weights
Using light weights can help maintain your muscle tone. However, avoid heavy lifting and consult your healthcare provider for a tailored plan.
Prenatal Yoga
Yoga during pregnancy focuses on relaxation and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for easing pregnancy-related aches and improving posture. Always opt for a certified prenatal yoga instructor to ensure you get the best guidance.
General Safety Tips to Follow While Performing Pregnancy Exercise
Here are some general but very crucial pregnancy tips to follow:
Warm-up and Cool-down:
Both are essential to prepare your body for exercise and to help it recover afterward. A five-minute walk can help you cool down and a few stretching exercises can help you warm-up for your pregnancy workout.
Hydration:
Staying hydrated is utmost crucial in pregnancy. Ensure you drink water before, during, and after your workout to maintain your body’s fluid balance.
Read also: How Much Water Should You Drink When Pregnant?
Monitoring Heart Rate:
Keep an eye on your heart rate to ensure you’re not overexerting yourself. Aim for 50-70% of your maximum heart rate.
Listen to Your Body
Avoid performing exercise that seems out of limits as pregnancy is not the time to push your limits.
Wrapping up,
Exercise during pregnancy is very helpful, but it must be approached with caution and alertness. Having expert advice during your pregnancy is as important as taking medicines. From picking the right activities to understanding what to avoid, this blog intends to direct you through a protected and sound pregnancy venture.
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