Overall and in most cases, exercise is safe during pregnancy. In fact, it’s often recommended to help alleviate some of the typical discomforts of pregnancy. It can also help prepare the body for labor and delivery.
Women who were exercising regularly before pregnancy, and do not have any concerning health conditions, should be able to continue with slight changes depending on the trimester.Women who did not engage in regular physical activity prior to pregnancy should consult with their OBGYN before starting any new exercise routine.
Who should not exercise?
Exercise may not be advised if you have any of the following conditions or symptoms:
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Low placenta or placenta previa
- A history of miscarriage or preterm delivery
6 safe pregnancy workouts
Exercises that carry a low risk of injury benefit your entire body and may be continued until birth include:
- Swimming
- Walking
- Indoor stationary cycling
- Step or elliptical machines
- Low-impact aerobics
- Yoga
How to exercise safely
Regular physical activity has shown to boost maternal and fetal health. It can also help make pregnancy, labor and post-delivery recovery easier. However, it is important to stay safe.
During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin, which causes the ligaments that support the joints to stretch more easily. This may increase the risk of injury, so it is important to listen to your body and stop if you feel any unusual pain or discomfort. Here are a few helpful tips that can help you exercise safely:
- Always stretch before beginning any workout to warm up your muscles.
- Always end your workout with 5-10 minutes of gradually slower exercise.
- Always stretch after your workout to help reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.
When you need a skilled physician to help you through childbirth in McKinney and Prosper, contact Adriatica Women’s Health at 972-542-8884. We are here to help you welcome your newest family member with expert, experienced and heartfelt obstetric care.