Women often wonder how much is too when it comes to their pregnancy. Is 50 pounds too much to lift currently? How much food should be consumed to ensure both mom and baby are getting the nutrients they need without overdoing it? Is working out safe while pregnant? These are only a few of the many questions that may be asked at this time. Fortunately, there are answers to these questions, and knowing when and how to exercise while pregnant isn’t as difficult as many soon-to-be mothers imagine. Following are some guidelines to keep in mind as you engage in physical activity while expecting.
Don’t Overdo It
Although any new d+k maternity activewear may look adorable and leave you wanting to work out more often, now is not the time to start a rigorous training program or attempt to lose weight. The goal is to maintain an active lifestyle and feel healthy throughout this journey. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day once the doctor gives you permission to work out. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, it’s best to start with only five or ten minutes of exercise daily and work up to the 30-minute goal. If any chest pain, increased shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding, uterine contractions, or dizziness is experienced, immediately stop exercising and contact the doctor for further instructions.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential for the human body at any time but becomes even more crucial when a woman is pregnant. Dehydration can bring about contractions or raise the mother’s body temperature to an unhealthy level, which is not good for either mom or the baby. Although no official recommendation has been made regarding how much water is needed for pregnant women when working out, it’s smart to have one glass of water before exercising, one after the workout is complete, and one glass for every 20 minutes engaging in the physical activity as it is taking place.
Choose Activities Carefully
While it would be nice to continue to participate in contact sports while pregnant, women are advised not to do so. Any activity that could cause abdominal trauma should be avoided at this time, and the same is true of those activities that come with a risk of falling. The woman’s center of balance has shifted, and this could lead to an accident. If an activity requires extensive bouncing, hopping, skipping or jumping, it’s best to choose something else to keep you physically active until after the baby is born as well.
Discomfort Is Not Acceptable
Men and women have been told for years that if there is no pain there is no gain. However, a pregnant woman should always stop exercising if she experiences any discomfort. This is the body’s way of saying something is wrong, and the mother doesn’t want to unintentionally hurt the developing baby. It’s best to speak to the doctor to determine what is causing this discomfort and whether the activity can be continued or should be avoided until after the pregnancy is over.
Physical activity is good for human beings. However, pregnant women need to take extra precautions as the body is going through several changes. Always err on the side of caution and speak to a medical professional about any questions or concerns that arise. Remember, pregnancy is over after nine months, and normal activities can be resumed once the body recovers. Be careful while getting the exercise you need for a safe pregnancy.
