Exercise is beneficial for most pregnant women. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight gain and helps prepare your body for labor. Exercising is safe for most pregnant women, but you should always get your doctor’s approval before beginning any exercise routine.
There are things you can do to make exercise even more safe. The first step to safe exercising is to choose the right type of exercise routines. Low impact workouts are generally safer for you and the baby than a high impact work out routine. Some good low impact choices include yoga, walking or swimming. Prenatal exercise classes are usually low impact and safe choices.
When beginning an exercise routine, always start off slowly. This is a good idea, even if you have always been a physically active person. Your body is undergoing changes and you need to respect these changes and go slow in the beginning. Start off with a short amount of time, like ten minutes. Gradually add time to your workout until you are exercising for thirty minute sessions.
Be sure you don’t get over heated or dehydrated during your workout. Wear light weight, breathable materials, such as cotton. Avoid walking in hot weather. If you want to walk in the summer, go in the early morning or evening before the temperature gets too hot. If the weather is very hot where you live, consider walking on the treadmill at the gym. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after your workout.
Don’t overdo it when you are exercising. If you begin to feel worn out or your heart rate gets too high, stop exercising and rest. There are some signs that you should immediately stop, such as: dizziness, chest pain, swelling, contractions, bleeding or leaking amniotic fluid. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop immediately and notify your doctor. With proper care, you can safely workout throughout your pregnancy.