Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
Yes! It is perfectly safe and highly recommended that women with uncomplicated pregnancy condition(s) should exercise throughout their pregnancy says Dr. Devansu Tewari. As long as you’re not considered a high-risk pregnancy, physical therapist Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, says you can continue with your regular exercise routine in the first three months of pregnancy.
Although you may have to tone down the intensity of your workouts as you adapt to many changes happening in your body. Dr. Tewari adds that it's important to consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) who may recommend modifications to your exercise routine.
Certain conditions could however pose a challenge and make exercising during pregnancy unsafe. Exercising during pregnancy is not safe for women with a certain type of heart and lungs disease, placenta previa after 26 weeks of pregnancy, severe anemia, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and other pregnancy complications to exercise during pregnancy. Again, you at all times must seek counsel from your obstetrician-gynecologist.
Are there general safety tips to consider when exercising during pregnancy?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), some general safety tips to consider when exercising during pregnancy include the following:
• Seek councel from your doctor if you are new to exercise or you have any health challenge that may affect exercise.
• Drink a lot of water before, during, and after exercise.
• Put on supportive clothing such as a sports bra or belly band.
• Avoid lying flat on your back for too long, especially during the first three month.
• Avoid contact sports and hot yoga.
What are some of the benefits of exercising during pregnancy?
It is interesting to know that you would want to do everything possible to keep yourself and this tiny-soon to be human safe, sound, and healthy. The good news, exercising can help you stay active, and staying active should be a top priority after all.
According to ACOG, exercising during pregnancy can lead to a lower incidence of:
• cesarean birth
• preterm birth
• Excessive weight gain
• Hypertensive disorder
• Lower birth weight
It is also an excellent way to:
• manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Reduce stress.
• Maintain physical fitness.
• Reduce low back pain.
• Improve postpartum recovery.
Article credit : Cocci Beauty