This question that has come up a several times in the last few weeks. Which means people have clearly been enjoying their summer with plenty of late night cardio.
A lot of females tend to shy away from exercise while pregnant as they think it will cause complications for the baby. Unfortunately this isn’t correct, it is very important to stay active to help both mother and baby through the process.
The fact is the more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for your body to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you to cope with labour and getting back into shape after the birth.
Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shop) for as long as you feel comfortable. Exercise is not dangerous for your baby – there is plenty of evidence that states active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour.
Here are my top tips of staying active while pregnant:
Do not exhaust yourself. You may need to slow down as your pregnancy progresses or if your maternity team advises you to.
As a general rule, you should be able to hold a conversation as you exercise when pregnant. If you become breathless as you talk, then you’re probably exercising too strenuously.
If you weren’t active before you got pregnant, don’t suddenly take up strenuous exercise. If you start an aerobic exercise programme (such as running, swimming, cycling, walking or aerobics classes), tell the instructor that you’re pregnant and begin with no more than 15 minutes of continuous exercise.
Remember that exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial.
Exercise tips when you’re pregnant:
– Always warm up before exercising, and cool down afterwards.
– Try to keep active on a daily basis
– Avoid any strenuous exercise in hot weather.
– Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
– If you go to an exercise class, make sure the trainer is QUALIFIED, and knows that you’re pregnant as well as how many weeks.
So ladies do not feel you cannot train, as long as you are sensible and educated you can keep fit and healthy throughout.
Any questions on this topic feel free to drop me an email:
james@body-clinic.co.uk
James x