Expecting a child is one of the best blessings one could ask for, however, it can be hard to have a fit pregnancy if you are not sure how to go about doing it.
Being fit is not only important for general health but it is also very beneficial during pregnancy as it will help with your weight loss and postpartum after you deliver your bundle of joy.
There are several tips for maintaining a fit pregnancy, most of them are just simple things you can do to assure you’re emotionally healthy, physically healthy and feeling strong.
Fit Pregnancy: 9 Tips For Healthy & Fit Pregnancy
1) Low Impact Exercises
There are many exercises and physical activities you can do that lead to a fit pregnancy.
However, it is always important to speak to your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen, especially while expecting.
Some low impact exercises that are beneficial to your health include: yoga, swimming, lightweight training, walking, Pilates, calisthenics and Kegal exercises are just a few of the many exercises available to you to ensure a fit pregnancy.
You only need to exercise moderately for a fit pregnancy, 3-4 times a week should suffice.
Try to exercise at least 30 minutes during these 3-4 days a week.
Another great suggestion is to see if your local gym or yoga studio has fitness classes specifically for expecting mothers.
Working out with those in similar circumstances can help put your mind at ease as well as help you trade different tips and suggestions with other expecting mothers.
2) Prenatal Foods
To ensure a fit pregnancy, a woman should eat healthily, as she would even if she was not expecting.
There are a ton of prenatal foods that contain essential nutrients for you and the baby growing inside you.
Some of these excellent prenatal foods include figs, chives, pinto beans, leeks, pumpkin seeds, tahini, basil and herring fish.
Not only are these pregnancy super foods but they have a great source of Omega 3′s and fatty acids that help keep you fit during pregnancy.
3) Eating Enough But Keeping it Healthy
When pregnant, you must eat enough as you have another mouth to feed.
To have a fit pregnancy, try eating at least six small meals a day instead of three large meals.
Avoid take out and fast food as processed foods are never suggested while pregnant.
Also, try to eat home-cooked meals, lower your sodium intake along with your fried food intake and sugar intake.
Try to avoid foods like shellfish, soft cheeses, herbal teas, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol.
4) Drink Lots of Water
Staying hydrated is one of the most important factors when wanting a fit pregnancy.
Drinking water not only helps you feel refreshed and helps avoid unhealthy cravings but it also keeps you from feeling fatigued, exhausted and easily irritable.
Try to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, even more, if you involved with exercise.
5) Take Prenatal Vitamins
You can speak to your doctor about what prenatal vitamins he or she suggests for you.
However, make sure you’re taking at least one prenatal vitamin to maintain a fit pregnancy.
Many over the counter prenatal vitamins will give you the essential nutrients your body needs to make sure you have a healthy you and a healthy baby.
Some great over the counter prenatal vitamins are Rainbow Light Prenatal, Nature Made Prenatally and One A Day Pre Natal Vitamins.
They are all fairly inexpensive and sold at practically any vitamin store and/or pharmacy.
6) Get Rest
We all need rest but expecting mothers need more rest than most folks.
Especially during the first and third trimesters, you must get your shut-eye and relaxation time.
Pregnancy can be stressful not only the body but also on the mind.
To make sure you’re having a fit pregnancy, sleep and rest are a must!
Try to get at least eight hours of undisturbed sleep per night as well as some nap time.
Naps should be limited between 20-40 minutes at a time.
7) Avoid Stress
We’ve all seen the movies where the pregnant woman is overly emotional and hormonal, overdramatizing everything and flipping out for really no reason at all.
Unfortunately, this does not happen in just the movies, it is a reality for most pregnant women.
To ensure a fit pregnancy, keep your stress level low.
It is scientifically proven that expecting mothers with high-stress levels have been linked to low birth weight babies and pre-term birth.
If you’re feeling emotional and stressed, talk to someone about it. Whether it be a friend, your partner or a professional, it is best to get your feelings out and to have someone there to just listen.
8) Consult Your Health Practitioner
To ensure a fit pregnancy, many doctor appointments should be on the ‘to do’ list.
Every woman’s body is different, meaning every woman will need a different diet plan, exercise regimen and so on.
Make sure you’re involved with a well known and supportive health practitioner. Your doctor can help you make a plan that is right for you.
9) Be Happy
Let’s face it, there is no reason for you to be unhappy, pregnant or otherwise. Mental and emotional health is linked to having a great fit pregnancy.
You’re carrying your bundle of joy so make the best of it and maintain that mother to be glow.
Not only will having a positive mindset help you realize the beautiful pleasure of carrying a person inside your body but it will also help you give birth to a happy baby.
Fit Pregnancy – The Conclusion
Following all the suggestions above will not only help you but will also help your growing baby.
Maintaining a fit pregnancy is not all that hard to do, it will just require some minor adjustments to your lifestyle.
These changes also will help mothers cope with the ongoing changes in their bodies during pregnancy.
The changes also can help a mother during labor, making the delivery easier and making it easier to lose the post-pregnancy weight. A fit pregnancy is a great thing to aim for!
