Your prenatal fitness routine will likely change as your pregnancy progresses. Exercising in early pregnancy can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the first trimester. Most activities can be continued throughout your pregnancy, but many doctors discourage contact sports once you start showing yourself. As with any question about your health, please consult your doctor for specific medical advice.
Consistent moderate exercise during pregnancy is safer and more effective than sporadic bouts of exercise. Pregnancy is not usually the best time to take up a new sport, but many women are finding that taking responsibility for life brings with it a new awareness of their health. This shift in focus can be a tremendous spur to eating healthy and staying active. Exercising during the third trimester can maintain fitness for energy during and after pregnancy, limit excess weight gain, and strengthen the body in preparation for labor.
During pregnancy, it’s more important than ever to drink enough water before, during and after exercise and eat a healthy diet to maintain nutrient reserves. The amount of weight gain necessary to maintain a healthy pregnancy depends somewhat on your pre-pregnancy weight. A specialist in pregnancy exercises, in cooperation with your doctor, can advise you on appropriate nutrition during your pregnancy.
Some exercises may need modification during the second and third trimesters. In particular, exercises that involve lying flat on your back for long periods of time should generally be avoided. A certified pregnancy exercise expert can help you modify exercises to keep you fit while protecting the health of you and your baby. Pregnancy fitness helps expectant mothers stay healthy and happy throughout pregnancy, helps women prepare for the birth of their child, and can result in healthy, happy babies.
Thanks to Connie Marshall
