Lots of questions can come up during pregnancy. Is this feeling normal? Can I eat that? How is my baby developing? What am I allowed to do? And so on, and so forth. As a new or expecting mom, chances are questions are whirling around in your head as you prepare for your little one on the way.
One question a lot of moms face is exercise. Is exercise during pregnancy healthy? What types of exercise can you do? How far is too far with exercise? These are urgent and pressing questions plenty of moms can struggle with. Fortunately, with the right resources and community, you can find answers to these questions and more. You just have to look in the right places. To get started, we put together a list of healthy ideas for exercising during pregnancy for you to take into consideration.
First, the big question: Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy? Generally speaking, yes. While each woman and her pregnancy is unique, for the most part, moderate exercise can actually give your newborn a healthier start. For most women, continuing their regular workout routine—with slight modifications—during pregnancy is no problem at all. Obviously, exercise is a healthy choice no matter who you are. Pregnancy is no exception; you simply have to modify some of the habits.
Of course, you should always check with your healthcare provider first before starting your exercise program. They’ll have an inside look at your distinct pregnancy journey, and have better tips on routines that would work well for you specifically. At your first appointment, sit with your doctor and discuss your current workout procedure, then brainstorm what exercises would work well for you to stay in a healthy shape during pregnancy.
Not only is exercising during pregnancy safe, but it can actually be beneficial for both you and your little one. Medical News Today states: “Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve health, reduce the risk of excess weight gain and back pain, and may make delivery easier.” In fact, if your health struggles during pregnancy, exercising can actually ease some of your symptoms. What to Expect found that working out while pregnant can boost your mood, decrease symptoms such as fatigue, constipation and morning sickness and even offer a quicker postpartum recovery after the baby is born. So if you get the go-ahead to start exercising from your doctor, embrace the opportunity to ease your pregnancy symptoms.
So if working out is safe and beneficial during pregnancy, what are some ways for you to hit the gym with your little one in tow? Check out these ideas for low-impact, moderate exercises that can get you sweating, but are still safe for your baby belly:
●Walking.
●Yoga.
●Swimming.
●Light weight training.
●Indoor cycling.
●Aerobics.
Be sure to modify these activities for a lighter, moderate mode to fit your body’s abilities. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends for pregnant moms to get at least 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise per day, most days of the week. Keep that tip in mind as you take some of these exercise ideas and adapt them to your daily routine.
Exercising while pregnant can be an incredibly intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. More often than not, exercise is completely safe and healthy for both you and your baby. Check with your doctor today and consider these exercise ideas to use for a happy, healthy pregnancy.