Pregnancy and Exercise: They Go Together?

It may be difficult to stick to a workout at some points in your pregnancy, but should you? Absolutely! (Unless told otherwise by your doctor.)

Why, you ask? When labor time comes your body will be used to doing a little work, making it a bit easier and quicker (although trust me, it's no picnic either way). Also, your body will bounce back much quicker from being pregnant and you will be ever so grateful that you listened to Fit Mama!

Talk with your doctor about exercising during your pregnancy. Most recommend that you don't begin anything too intense after becoming pregnant. It's harder to do exercise moves properly once pregnant and done improperly, problems or injuries could result.
If you have been lifting weights and feel you know what you're doing doctors will typically suggest that you continue your routine but lift no more than 25 pounds. But again, talk with your doctor, let them know your exact situation, and find out what the best plan for you is.

When you do begin to exercise in your pregnancy there are a few things to remember.

DO drink lots of water to ensure that your muscles are properly hydrated. During these nine months, our bodies need much more than they usually do.

After the first trimester avoid lying on your stomach or flat on your back. Lying flat on your back with no incline could cut off blood flow to the baby.

Make sure that you don't do any breath-holding or rapid and intense breathing, as some yoga practices include.

Obviously, no deep twists or crazy backbends should be included in your routine. (If you're at the point I'm at you couldn't do them if you wanted to!)

DO modify when needed. Exercise can get tough for some people during pregnancy. Others, they feel just about the same. Don't feel bad if you need to switch to knee pushups or if 5 pounds is all you can handle instead of your regular tens. In my case, I experience low blood pressure and fainting spells when pregnant. I am still learning to cope with the fact that although I hardly missed a workout in the past, my body is just not able to carry a child and do all that as well every single day. Some people can. But we must listen to our bodies and be good to them.

Many people experience high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and other complications while pregnant. Exercise and a good diet will help to control these problems.

Regular exercise will help you feel better during and after your pregnancy. Aim to do at least a little something every day. I wish you all the best! Let me know how it goes and have a great pregnancy!