Staying healthy during pregnancy
Staying healthy during your pregnancy is important not only for you but for your baby.
This part of the baby’s life is the most important because in this stage the baby is developing and growing. You need to be sure and eat properly as well as exercise. Every person is different, so be sure to find the best fitness routine that will work for you. You must be sure to not over due your activity to prevent any problems with the baby. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least two hours and thirty minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. This is only needed if you are not already highly active or do vigorous activities.
There are a few things that exercise will prevent or will help while you are pregnant. The few things that are beneficial are;
Prevent excess weight gain, reduce any pregnancy related problems, improve sleep, increase energy, improve outlook, prepare for labor and lessen recovery time.
Walking and swimming can be fairly easy exercises to do when you are pregnant. These are low impact and can do you and your baby a lot of good. Many women choose to do Pilates and yoga as well. Both of these choices are low impact as well and can work on strength, flexibility, and relaxation. While you are pregnant you should limit the high impact exercises you do and some just avoid all together. The ones you want to stay away from are contact sports, downhill skiing, and horseback riding.
Because your body goes through so many changes when you are pregnant, it is so important to understand exactly what is going on. During pregnancy your body will produces a hormone called relaxin, which in turn helps certain parts of your body, such as your cervix, to prepare for birth. The relaxin that is produced helps to loosen your ligaments in your body, making you less stable and more prone to injury. This is why you must avoid any type of activity that may cause a fall or injuries. When you are pregnant it is easy to over stretch or strain yourself, as well as your joints in your pelvis, lower back and knees. In later stages of your pregnancy your center of gravity shifts, so you may feel a little off balanced and in turn have a greater risk of falling.
Whichever type of exercise you choose be sure to take frequent breaks and drink a lot of fluids. You must always learn to use common sense and takes breaks or even stop when you feel out of breath or feel uncomfortable. If you are not sure if the exercise is right for you, you can ask your doctor about each one and the risks involved. Be sure to also eat a good healthy diet with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Your doctor will also give you the proper vitamins to take when you are pregnant. These vitamins have just the right amount of ingredients to help your baby grow healthy and strong. Just remember to take care of yourself and always ask your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.
Resources:
Staying fit during your 9 months is a great idea. Watching pregnancy exercise dvds will help your baby grow stronger and will keep you from gaining excess weight.
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