Strengthen your body for pregnancy and beyond with these safe pregnant workouts that you may practise right up to your due date. Learn more about the health advantages of exercise for pregnant women and the various types of pregnancy workouts that are safe to do.
Benefits of exercise during pregnancy
Exercise is really beneficial during pregnancy. It enhances mood, sleep, and relieves aches and pains. It also helps you get back in shape after your kid is born by strengthening muscles and increasing endurance, as well as preparing you for childbirth.
Prenatal exercise may also reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, according to research. Exercise can help you control gestational diabetes and avoid complications if you’ve been diagnosed with it.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes per day, at a moderate effort, on most or all days of the week. The optimal workout gets your heart racing, keeps you limber, controls weight gain, and prepares your muscles to endure the physical demands of pregnancy and the postpartum period without putting you or your baby under undue physical stress.
Before you put on your sneakers, familiarise yourself with the guidelines for safe pregnant activity. Many gyms and community centres feature fitness courses specifically tailored for pregnant women, with teachers who can provide expert advice on how to exercise safely.
The activities listed below are generally safe for expecting mothers, though some of them may not be suitable as your due date approaches.
Cardio for moms-to-be
Walking: Walking is one of the finest cardiovascular workouts for pregnant women because it keeps you healthy without causing knee and ankle pain. It’s also simple to do practically anyplace, requires no special equipment other than a good pair of supportive shoes, and is safe to do throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy.
Swimming: Swimming is the finest and safest exercise for pregnant women, according to healthcare specialists and fitness experts. Swimming is perfect since it works out your large muscle groups (arms and legs), improves your cardiovascular health, lowers edoema, and makes you feel lighter despite your extra weight. It’s especially beneficial for women who suffer from low back discomfort.
Aerobic: Aerobic exercise tones your body and strengthens your heart. You’ll enjoy the company of other pregnant women in a class for pregnant women, and you’ll be comforted that each movement is safe for you and your baby.
Dancing: Get your pulse pounding by dancing in your living room or at a group dance class to your favourite tunes. Leaps, jumps, and twirls should be avoided in routines.
Running: During pregnancy, going for a jog is a wonderful approach to exercise your heart and improve endurance. The intensity of your run is mostly determined by whether you’re a seasoned runner or a novice. If you’re a newbie, start out slowly on shorter routes and gradually work your way up to 30-minute runs.
Flexibility and strength training for moms-to-be
Yoga: Yoga can help you maintain muscle tone and flexibility while having little to no strain on your joints. However, you may need to add a walk or swim several times per week to give your heart a workout.
Stretching: Stretching is an excellent method to keep your body limber and relaxed while also preventing muscle tension. To achieve a comprehensive workout, combine stretching with cardiovascular workouts.
Weight training: Weight training is a terrific approach to tone and build your muscles as long as you take the required precautions and employ proper technique (slow, controlled motions). Building strength throughout pregnancy will help you prepare for all of the baby lifting you’ll be doing in the near future!
FAQ
- Which exercise is best for pregnant woman?
These activities are normally safe to do while pregnant:
– Walking. A fast walk is a terrific way to get a good workout without putting too much strain on your joints and muscles.
– Workouts in the water and in the pool.
– Riding a stationary bike is a great way to get some exercise.
– Yoga and Pilates classes are available.
– Low-impact aerobics classes are available.
– Strength training is a good thing to do. - Which exercises to avoid during pregnancy?
Which Exercises Should I Avoid While Pregnant?
– Any workout that has a high impact.
– Push-ups or planks.
– Exercises or movements that put a lot of strain on your pelvic floor.
– Sit-ups and crunches are the most common exercises.
– Exercises that require you to lie down on your back (especially late in pregnancy).
– Breathing exercises that require you to hold your breath. - Can I do squats while pregnant?
Squats are a fantastic resistance workout to keep the hips, glutes, core, and pelvic floor muscles strong and flexible during pregnancy. Squats, when done correctly, can help with posture and may even aid in the birthing process.
- What is the best exercise for normal delivery?
5 activities that will help you prepare for birth and delivery
– Pose of a child. This yoga stance lengthens the pelvic floor muscles and relieves pain.
– Squat deeply. Deep squats stretch the perineum while relaxing and lengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
– Quadruped cat/cow.
– Perineal bulges.
– Perineal massage.
Interesting. Will introduce this to my aunt
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