Workouts During Pregnancy - Some Simple Dos and Don"ts of Working Out While Pregnant
In contrast to medical advice given to pregnant women not too long ago, doctors today know that exercising during pregnancy is not only safe but is actually beneficial to both mother and baby.
Although working out may be the last thing that a pregnant woman feels like doing, it is good for expectant mothers to engage in some form of workouts during pregnancy.
Of course, there are guidelines that must be followed, but the benefits of exercise far outweigh the inconvenience that it may be.
After all, childbirth is one of the most strenuous physical activities that a human body can endure; why wouldn't a mother want to prepare physically for this event? One of the most important guidelines regarding workouts during pregnancy is that moderation is key.
Over-doing it will cause not only discomfort, but may actually be dangerous, if it entails raising the body temperature of the mother too much.
The mother's body temperature affects the developing baby, especially in early pregnancy, so over-straining must be avoided.
A good rule of thumb is not to start a new exercise program that you didn't do before you were pregnant.
Also, consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
There are also some specific activities that must be avoided.
Riding bikes is dangerous for women and fetuses because of the risk of falls.
The same is true for both snow skiing and water skiing.
Kickboxing, or anything else that risks blows to the abdomen, must also be avoided.
A common myth surrounding workouts during pregnancy is that all abdominal exercises must be avoided.
While traditional sit ups or crunches will need to be avoided, because they will soon become impossible to perform, it is actually important to strengthen the abdomen during pregnancy.
The abdominal and pelvic muscles support much of the weight of the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid, and strengthening them will aid in keeping the mother comfortable throughout the pregnancy.
These muscles will also be responsible for delivering the baby, and stronger muscles can translate into a smoother labor and delivery experience.
Abdominal exercises should be modified for comfort but are important to maintain during pregnancy.
Although working out may be the last thing that a pregnant woman feels like doing, it is good for expectant mothers to engage in some form of workouts during pregnancy.
Of course, there are guidelines that must be followed, but the benefits of exercise far outweigh the inconvenience that it may be.
After all, childbirth is one of the most strenuous physical activities that a human body can endure; why wouldn't a mother want to prepare physically for this event? One of the most important guidelines regarding workouts during pregnancy is that moderation is key.
Over-doing it will cause not only discomfort, but may actually be dangerous, if it entails raising the body temperature of the mother too much.
The mother's body temperature affects the developing baby, especially in early pregnancy, so over-straining must be avoided.
A good rule of thumb is not to start a new exercise program that you didn't do before you were pregnant.
Also, consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
There are also some specific activities that must be avoided.
Riding bikes is dangerous for women and fetuses because of the risk of falls.
The same is true for both snow skiing and water skiing.
Kickboxing, or anything else that risks blows to the abdomen, must also be avoided.
A common myth surrounding workouts during pregnancy is that all abdominal exercises must be avoided.
While traditional sit ups or crunches will need to be avoided, because they will soon become impossible to perform, it is actually important to strengthen the abdomen during pregnancy.
The abdominal and pelvic muscles support much of the weight of the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid, and strengthening them will aid in keeping the mother comfortable throughout the pregnancy.
These muscles will also be responsible for delivering the baby, and stronger muscles can translate into a smoother labor and delivery experience.
Abdominal exercises should be modified for comfort but are important to maintain during pregnancy.
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