pregnant woman
Pregnancy is a joyous time for everyone, from dads, to grandparents, to siblings. But no one feels the stress of pregnancy more than a mom to be. Dealing with the emotional and physical changes along with the constant wonder of the baby’s health can lead to very stressful times. Exercise during pregnancy can be a major stress reliever, as long as it is done safely with you and your baby’s well being in mind.
It is always important that you get your doctor’s approval before doing any kind of exercise plan during pregnancy. Some complications such as preterm labor, placental problems, bleeding, or high blood pressure can prohibit you from exercising because it could put you or your baby in jeopardy. But for many pregnant women, mild to moderate exercise during pregnancy is not only acceptable it is recommended. Just remember not to over do it and always keep your doctor informed of what kind of exercise you are doing so he or she can monitor you.
The key during pregnancy is to stick to exercise levels that you are comfortable with. You should factor in what your fitness level was before you became pregnant. Inactive pregnant women can usually start a mild exercise program with their doctor’s permission, while athletic pregnant women can usually continue moderate activity with their doctor’s approval of course. This simply means that pregnancy is not the time to starting training for a marathon or to take up a new and potentially dangerous sport such as diving or ice hockey. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, unless there are medical reasons to avoid it, pregnant women should try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Be sure to drink plenty of water and stop immediately if you are dizzy, sick, or feel any pain. While there are many acceptable forms of exercise during pregnancy, here are few tried and true suggestions that can be adjusted to fit almost any fitness level. Again, discuss any and all exercise plans with your doctor before you start.
Walking
Many pregnant women enjoy taking long walks not only for the fitness benefits but also to bring some calm and serenity to their day. This can be especially helpful if you are caring for other small children or have a particularly stressful job. A long stroll in the cool early morning or evening hours might be just what you need to relax. Try kicking off your shoes and walking along the Gulf shore. Or maybe you prefer to lace up your most comfortable walking shoes and find a path or trail in one of the local parks.
Prenatal Yoga
Many pregnant women recommend Prenatal Yoga classes for various reasons. First the calming environment can be very soothing to pregnant women, helping them gain inner peace. Also, the different yoga positions can actually help a women strengthen the muscles they will need to carry them through pregnancy and labor. Finally, a prenatal yoga class with other pregnant women is the perfect place to development new friendships and support systems that every women needs during a life changing event such as pregnancy. Check with local fitness centers and yoga studios to see what type of prenatal classes they offer. If you don’t have time to hit the gym there are several home exercise videos that offer detailed prenatal yoga programs.
Swimming
The benefits of swimming for expecting moms are much like the benefits for non-pregnant swimmers. Swimming allows you to strengthen your muscles without the added stress on your joints. This can be especially important for pregnant women as their ligaments soften and stretch. Sometimes the extra weight added during pregnancy can make for a sore back and legs, but the weightlessness of your body in the water can help relieve those pains. Whether you have your own backyard pool, a community pool, or a membership to the YMCA or Golden Gate Aquatic Center, a gentle kick and paddle each day might be all you need to keep yourself feeling and looking great.