Recommended Exercises for Pregnancy

Safe Physical Activities to Participate in While Pregnant

Oct 25, 2009

Keeping fit while pregnant is important for a fulfilling pregnancy. It is essential that the exercises are safe for the pregnant body.

Exercise is widely known to have numerous benefits for the human body, including during pregnancy. Doctors usually recommend getting regular exercise to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Keeping fit and strong can help to prepare the body for childbirth and make getting back into shape faster and easier. Certain exercises are recommended for pregnancy, while others should be avoided. It is important to discuss any exercise regimens with a doctor or health care practitioner prior to engaging in one.

Walking

Safety should be the most important factor in governing an exercise routine. Walking is very beneficial because it is safe for the pregnant body. It is gentle on the joints, while encouraging physical fitness at the same time. Walking is also one of the best cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women.

Swimming

Aside from walking, swimming is considered by many health care providers and exercise specialists to be the safest exercise for pregnant women. Swimming keeps the body toned without the added weight and stress on the joints. It is an excellent cardiovascular work-out which also helps to prevent over-heating.

Bicycling

This is also a great low-impact activity that provides the benefits of physical exertion without the stress on the joints. Bicycling on a stationary bike might be a better and safer alternative to riding a bike outdoors. As the pregnant belly grows, the center of gravity shifts, which can cause imbalance.

Low-Impact Aerobics

If aerobics have already been a part of an exercise regimen, continuing low-impact aerobics is a great way to keep in shape during pregnancy. It is important, though, to remember that balance might be an issue as pregnancy progresses. There are aerobics classes designed specifically for pregnancy, which take this issue into consideration for participants.

Yoga

Relieving stress and pressure on the body can be done successfully with yoga. This type of exercise is safe to perform during pregnancy as long as it does not involve excessive stretching. Some yoga instructors offer special classes for pregnant women.

Weight Training

Lifting weights is a great way to keep the muscles strong and toned. This is an exercise that requires good technique in order to avoid injury. It is also important for pregnant women not to lift weights that are so heavy as to cause forceful exhalation when releasing the weight. This can constrict the airflow to the uterus and may cause injury to the baby.

The above mentioned exercises are fairly safe for expectant mothers, although some of them may not work during the last few months of pregnancy. It is always important to consult with a doctor prior to engaging in any of these activities.

For more pregnancy-related information, please visit: www.complete-pregnancy-guide.com.

The copyright of the article Recommended Exercises for Pregnancy in Prenatal Health is owned by Lisa Simonelli Rennie. Permission to republish Recommended Exercises for Pregnancy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.