Some Tips For Exercising During Your Pregnancy
Exercising when you’re pregnant can play a key role in maintaining your health, sleeping more peacefully, and boosting your energy level. But, there are precautions that you should take to ensure your safety and that of your baby. In today’s article, I’ll provide 4 useful tips for getting some exercise when you’re expecting.
#1 – See Your Doctor
Consider this your most important step before creating your workout routine. You may feel physically fit, but your body can still be unprepared for the increased activity. This is especially true if you’re not an habitually active person. Make an appointment with your obstetrician and ask for advice. If there are any reasons for concern, they’ll ensure that you know them.
#2 – Eat More
This might sound counterintuitive given that you’re trying to keep fit. But, your body needs additional calories if you’re planning to exercise. Not only will they help your muscles perform and heal properly each day, but the calories will also give you the energy you need. Ask your obstetrician how many calories they recommend for the level of activity you’re planning. Then, make sure you’re consuming that many.
#3 – Start Slowly
Even if you’re not pregnant, your body needs time to warm up before a workout. When you’re expecting, there’s an even greater need. It’s far too easy to strain your muscles if you launch into your exercise regimen without stretching. That can lead to unnecessary aches afterward. Slow down and take the time to warm up. Your body will thank you.
#4 – Keep Hydrated
You’ll need to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising. Dehydration when you’re pregnant – and especially when you’re active – can have long-term effects. In some cases, it can trigger contractions. Even worse, the temperature of your body can climb which can potentially cause harm to your baby. A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass before and after your workout routine. Plus, drink another glass for each twenty minutes that you’re exercising.
Staying Fit And Healthy
Getting a little exercise during your pregnancy is usually fine as long as you check with your doctor beforehand. Activity alone doesn’t present an issue. The problems happen when you don’t take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Consume additional calories so that your body can recuperate properly, spend time stretching and warming up, and drink water.
Once you’ve adopted a normal exercise routine, you’ll likely find that you have more energy, less discomfort, and you’re able to sleep better. And those benefits make exercising well worth the time and effort.
1 Comment Received
June 16th, 2010 @12:15 pm
The first trimester of pregnancy requires very little additional caloric intake. The second and third trimesters require an additional 300 calories per day.
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