Finding out that you are pregnant requires you to make some changes in the way you live, so you can stay healthy throughout your entire pregnancy, and exercise during pregnancy is one of the best ways you can stay fit and in shape.
Though some people may think that being pregnant means having to slow down in terms of activity levels, you do need to exercise during pregnancy so you do not gain extra weight and so that you can also have a better overall well being which is beneficial to your baby.
When you eat right and exercise throughout pregnancy, you will enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy in general and you will also be benefiting your unborn child as well since a healthy lifestyle makes your entire body work better and thus support your growing baby in more beneficial ways.
Exercise During Pregnancy
The need to exercise during pregnancy is something you need to continue doing if you have always enjoyed working out and exercising, though you will need to verify with your obstetrician in terms of your general health to ensure that you can continue doing the same workouts you have always enjoyed.
Entering into the pregnancy when fit and healthy is a great way to start your pregnancy, and thus you will be better able to continue to exercise during pregnancy to stay in great shape and physical condition.
You will need to make adjustments as you progress throughout your pregnancy, however, if you have always been active you can continue to be so while pregnant.
You may need to alter the exercise during pregnancy routines in your last trimester, simply because your growing belly may not be as maneuverable as it once was.
You can also start to exercise during pregnancy if you have never worked out before, but want to help make sure your body is fit and ready for the challenges it will face as your pregnancy progresses and you prepare for the actual birthing process which can be physically demanding.
Starting exercise during pregnancy can be a great way for you to pick up the habit of being regimented in terms of your overall fitness and health.
Again, you will need to get clearance from your doctor, and you will need to start slowly.
You can begin by walking more and lifting light weights to condition your body and then you can add more challenging routines as you gain more strength and endurance.
Exercise during pregnancy is also helpful in increasing total endurance levels, as your body will require more strength as you support your growing baby and thus need to have the strength required to get through all stages of your pregnancy.
Exercise during pregnancy does not have to be overly strenuous, nor does it have to be too light.
You need to find a happy medium that you will be able to gauge based on how you feel and respond to working out and staying active.
This is where you need to learn how to read the signs and clues your body is sending to you.
For example, exercise during pregnancy which involves a lot of walking can eventually cause you to have joint pain in your legs as the pressure of the baby can impact the stress and strain your legs, knees, and ankles has to support.
This is where you may need to shift gears in your routine and opt for less of an impact form of exercise during pregnancy such as stationary bike riding or using a treadmill.
You can adjust your exercises accordingly depending on your condition, how you feel, and how your body responds after each workout.
You need to always keep in mind that your pregnancy changes routinely, and thus exercise during pregnancy which was tolerable early on in your pregnancy may not be as easy later on down the road.
Knowing that you will need to tweak your routine is one way you can stay focused and not get discouraged.
You can be dedicated to exercise during pregnancy as a way to help keep excess weight off and to keep your heart pumping.
This is an endurance and strength building way that you can help your body handle the rigors of being pregnant.
When you are pregnant, you experience a multitude of body and system changes, and thus the better shape you are in, the more able your body will be to handling those added stresses and strains which come along with carrying a child.
You will also find that exercise during pregnancy is an ideal way to prepare your own body for the birth of your child.
Labor and delivery are hard on the body, and if you are fit as you get ready to deliver, you will better be able to get through the birthing process in a better manner compared to someone who is out of shape and has not been active during their pregnancy.
You will need to have high levels of stamina and endurance when giving birth, and being in shape is supportive of that ability.
Exercise During Pregnancy – The Conclusion
By staying fit, healthy, and active while pregnant; you can also benefit from having a faster recovery time after having your baby.
This is because your body has been well cared for and thus you will be stronger and better able to get back to your old self after the baby is born.
Besides, you will have a good head start on shedding baby weight which is naturally gained during pregnancy and thus you can have a better chance at getting back to your pre-baby weight and shape in a faster manner than those who were out of shape while pregnant.
Since you gain weight and experience body changes during and after pregnancy, you need to have the right routine in place at all times so you are as healthy and fit as possible.
Exercise during pregnancy allows you to have better stamina, endurance, and flexibility not only throughout your pregnancy but also afterward which will help you handle the stress and pressure of being a new mother.
