subject: Antenatal Exercises - The Key to a Healthy and Gorgeous Maternity [print this page] Congratulations on your being pregnant! You are smack dab in the center of probably the most wonderful and rewarding periods in your life. Now you want to try and do everything you can to have a fit maternity and a healthful newborn (and look great doing it). So what's the secret to a fit and fantastic pregnancy? Antenatal exercises!
What exactly is antenatal exercise? It's simple really. Any exercises you engage in while pregnant are antenatal exercises. Numerous expecting mothers question if it's sound practice to engage in an exercise program in pregnancy. It most certainly isn't only safe but suggested by such leading research bodies as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Being physically active and in excellent condition can help you to deal with the rigors of childbearing and delivery. Engaging in physical exercise when expecting has numerous advantages for both mother and baby. Research has shown that babies delivered to mothers who were active while pregnant experience a reduced rate of obesity. Exercising during pregnancy also keeps your weight inside suggested limits and helps to prevent gestational diabetes. It also helps you to get back into shape much more easily after your baby comes into the world.
So seeing that we proven that doing exercises in pregnancy is good for you and explained the advantages why don't we take a look at some physical exercise possibilities and guidelines for expecting women.
For starters for those who have not engaged in an exercise program before pregnancy you should consult with your physician before you begin antenatal exercises, in order to be on the safe side. Nearly all women can begin a non-strenuous exercise routine without any problem, but it never hurts to check with the doctor initially.
If you've been actively training before you became pregnant you can feel free to continue your exercising routine throughout the first trimester of your pregnancy. If your routine consists of challenging exercise you will need to begin taking it easy as you progress into your second or third trimester.
In case you are just starting out some good antenatal exercises for you would consist of a mixture of aerobic exercise, muscle tightening work, stretching exercises, and exercises that will assist to strengthen the pelvic floor. Kegels are a good pregnancy exercise that will help you strengthen your pelvic muscles to assist in delivery.
Your pregnancy exercise routine ought to only last about thirty minutes. Make sure you keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You may want to try to do your routine in the morning to prevent causing extra difficulty to what might be your already shaky sleeping situation. As your pregnancy advances, your center of gravity is going to be thrown off just a little by your growing tummy. Make sure you do not take part in any antenatal exercises that require a good feeling of balance (like biking or skiing) as you get into your third trimester.
Antenatal Exercises - The Key to a Healthy and Gorgeous Maternity