As you would agree, it is not enough to just eat healthy and rest well when you are nurturing a life within your womb. Guarded and light physical activity and exercise is extremely important for your health, and the baby’s health. It also goes a long way in ensuring that you are fit, and well during and after your delivery. In this post, we speak about the 5 things you ‘must’ know, about exercising during your pregnancy.
Choose the right kind of activity
Choose an exercise which does not involve too much of movement, which can end up being risky. Swimming is recommended as one of the best exercises for during pregnancy – it keeps the body fit, while simultaneously having a calming effect. Brisk walking or yoga is also a great way to stay fit if you are pregnant. It is important to keep it light and not over do it.
Warm Up
Just like exercising as usual, don’t skip warming up. Your body would need it even more now. Warming up prepares your body for the physical activity by shaking off the sluggishness gradually. The right kind of warm up also ensures that your body is not left feeling sore or worn out by the end of your exercise routine.
Eat well!
Well, this goes without saying if you are pregnant, but stress even more on it if you are maintaining a work-out schedule during your pregnancy. Consuming enough calories is a prerequisite to ensure you and the baby stay healthy. Your calorie intake will vary based on whether you are overweight or underweight, and your Body Mass Index. Visit your dietician and gynecologist to ensure you consume the right amount of calories, through the right foods.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Make sure you wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing which don’t restrict your movement, and are easy to breathe in. Make sure your bra is supportive enough, so that your breasts don’t hurt from the movement. Dressing comfortably also includes wearing comfortable and fitting shoes. It is possible that your old shoes may not fit due to swelling, which is quite normal. In that case, do invest in a new pair of comfortable shoes.
Hydrate plentiful
It is absolutely crucial for you to drink water in sufficient quantity (depending on the kind of physical activity you choose) before, during and after your exercise routine. Getting dehydrated during exercise can limit the amount of blood reaching the placenta; can cause fatigue and even lead to contractions.
Once through your routine, make sure you cool your body down by stretching (as appropriate). Finding a buddy to exercise with is a great way to stay motivated and maintain the discipline of exercising. Take it easy, take it slow, and remember to never push yourself and above all, to enjoy it!