Fitness Basics for Pregnancy

by Kim Neyer | More from this Blogger

Labor and delivery (unless you are having cesarean, of course) is a marathon. It requires incredible amounts of energy and you will definitely feel its effects on your body the next day, possibly for the next week. You will feel like you ran a hundred miles and it will feel strange to stand up; your legs may even wobble! It's no wonder the nurses will make you ride in a wheelchair from the delivery room to the mother and baby room. They don't want you to fall down.

Unless you are under strict orders of bed rest, it's a good idea to get plenty of light to moderate exercise during pregnancy in order to prepare for the big event. The best time to get into shape is before you are pregnant, then continue with a routine once you are pregnant that will help you to maintain your fitness. The main reason for this is because pregnancy is not the time to put too much stress on your body by starting up a new fitness regime. You should not work out to the point where you are out of breath when you are pregnant. You and your baby need oxygen! What you want to work on is your endurance. Keep your heart strong - it will help you during delivery. The last thing you want is to tire out too quickly when you are pushing; it will increase your chances of needing interventions such as the vacuum extractor or forceps.

When working out, you want to strike a balance between cardio, stretching and strength exercises. Exercises to avoid are ones that involve bouncing, like jumping jacks, or lying on your back, like sit ups. You may be able to continue some of your old routines, such as running, with a little modification. Your doctor can help you determine which exercise routines will work for you without compromising you or your baby's health.

Related Articles:

Prenatal Fitness: Water Aerobics

Prenatal Fitness Classes

Fitness After Pregnancy

Exercise is Vital to for a Healthy Pregnancy

Learn more about Kim Neyer

Kim is a freelance writer, photographer and stay at home mom to her one-year-old son, Micah. She has been married to her husband, Eric, since 2006.

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