Staying active is a key part of staying healthy and staying healthy is never more important than when you’re pregnant. This is why it’s important – as long as your midwife says it’s okay – to stay active throughout your pregnancy. Now, this can be tough, especially in the current climate. This is why we’ve come up with a series of tips on how to stay active at home while you’re pregnant.
Not only will staying active while you’re pregnant help you during your labour, but it will also help you get back into exercise once you’ve had your baby.
Exercising While Pregnant if You’ve not led an Active Lifestyle
It’s inadvisable to suddenly take up intense exercise if, before your pregnancy, you hadn’t lead that much of an active lifestyle. Rather, instead of taking fitness classes in your living room, try walking and other gentle forms of exercise. However, if you want to try something a little different, you can try gentler classes like Yoga or Pilates. It’s important to take into account what stage of pregnancy you are at, though and stay in consultation with medical professionals as much as possible.
If you do decide to be more active you should build up slowly and ensure you do not push yourself too hard. To make sure you aren’t pushing too hard, make sure you can hold a conversation while working out at home.
Exercising at Home While Pregnant if you Have Been Active
If you led an active lifestyle before becoming pregnant then it’s fine – encouraged, even – to continue. It is, however, important to remember that as your pregnancy progresses, what you are and what you’re not able to carry on doing will change.
You can still take part in certain video fitness classes at home, as long as you get your midwife’s approval to do so. They may give you some advice on how to adapt certain exercises, should it be required.
Make sure you warm up and cool down thoroughly. This is because, pregnant or not, sudden spikes in the heart rate and blood pressure are not advised. Meanwhile, stretching and warming up will also help you avoid injuring yourself.
Stay Hydrated
Be sure that you drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration. Take extra care if it is hot or you are exercising outside and it’s sunny as you are at a greater risk of overheating.
What if You’re Expecting Twins?
If you are expecting twins or multiple births, then higher-intensity exercise is not recommended. Walking and holistic exercise classes are much better suited. Be sure to stay in touch with your midwife to check as to what is a good idea and what isn’t.
Listen to Your Body
The most important thing to do is to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, or it feels uncomfortable, then stop immediately.
Staying active while pregnant is a really important part of remaining fit and healthy. The important things to remember is not to make any sudden changes to your lifestyle in terms of activity when you’re pregnant. Make sure you warm up and cool down properly before working out and seek the advice of your midwife before trying anything new. Most importantly, however, listen to your own body. If something’s not right, then stop immediately.