Stay in Shape During Your Pregnancy

Is Working Out Safe During Pregnancy?

It makes sense that you would ask this question, you want your baby and you to remain healthy throughout your pregnancy. There’s a current trend in more expecting mothers exercising, but you may be questioning whether you should. The answer is yes. Doctors recommend that mothers take part in some physical activity during pregnancy to improve your health and your baby's.

Dr. Dawn Harper claims,

“We’re now seeing evidence that exercising in pregnancy may be one of the best things you can do for your baby’s future health. Provided you follow expert guidelines, it’s safe for most women to continue and even start exercising in pregnancy. Just make sure you check with your midwife or doctor first, in case there are any specific medical reasons why you should avoid being physically active in pregnancy.”

Aptaclub, 2016

Benefits of Working Out While Pregnant

When working out while pregnant, you’ll gain all the usual benefits that you typically would, such as increased energy, improved mood, and better sleep. There are also additional benefits you’ll receive. Working out will help reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling during pregnancy. When you go into labor, you may have the ability to cope better, and it will be easier for you to get back in shape after your baby is born.

Top 4 Myths About Working Out While Pregnant

Avoid prenatal yoga, it won’t help you stay fit.

• False. Yoga allows you to focus on breathing and stress reduction which can benefit mothers throughout their pregnancy. This can be a relaxing time for the mother to center her energy and clear her head from all the stressful things in her life. Use caution when performing yoga so you don’t place yourself in a position that could result in falling or pain to you or the baby. Try the Cando Yoga Mat for extra padding on hard surfaces. The non-skid yoga mat is idea for performing your workouts and stretches on.

Running is too much movement for the baby.

• False. You can continue to run as long as you are running in a safe environment with safe footwear. Consult your doctor to make sure that he/she believes you are in the proper condition to continue or begin running. If you aren't used to running marathons, don’t start now. But if you were a runner before, as long as you feel okay and your doctor assures you can, you can run right up until you go into labor. If you would like to run in the comfort of your home, try the SportsArt T645L Performance Series Treadmill. You can easily track your distance to monitor your workout and achieve your goals. If you need extra support, you can add optional medical handrails.

It’s not safe to do abdominal work during pregnancy.

• False. Completing abdominal workouts during pregnancy can benefit you in many ways. Strengthening your entire core through abdominal exercises will benefit you during labor and delivery. One comfortable and safe ab workout is merely tightening your abs by holding, then releasing. Do not attempt to perform abdominal exercises that require you to place weights on or near your stomach.

If you never exercised before pregnancy, now is not the time to start.

• False. Granted, this is not the time to become a gym rat. But any simple kind of exercise will benefit you more than sitting on the couch all day. There are easy ways to complete workouts that aren’t too strenuous. Taking a daily walk or swimming will make you feel better and will benefit you during your pregnancy. Swimming can help reduce swelling and tone your muscles at the same time. Even taking just ten minutes a day will benefit you physically and help you sleep better at night. Don’t have a pool? No problem, use TheraBand Resistance Bands to exercise virtually everywhere!

References
American Pregnancy Association. (2016). Exercise During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/1GVq8y8
Aptaclub. (2016). Pregnancy exercises: Benefits, facts and stats. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2yac8sB
Bouchez, Colette. (February 2009). Exercise During Pregnancy: Myth vs. Fact. Retrieved from https://wb.md/2lcYlYM
Carlton, Lindsay. (May 2016). Common Myths About Exercising During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://fxn.ws/2LPzgi7
Vakil, Enozia. (March 2018). Is it Safe To Do Swimming While Pregnant? Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2t0mGp9

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.