3 Tips For Exercising During Pregnancy

Are you pregnant? Would you like to maintain your exercise routine throughout your pregnancy? Regular moderate exercise can be very helpful when you're pregnant. It can keep your blood flowing, which helps keep your baby healthy. It can also limit the amount of weight that you gain, which can reduce the chances of suffering some serious health issues. However, you'll likely need to modify your routine a bit. Now that you're pregnant, your body can't handle the same amount of stress that it could before you were pregnant. Here are a few tips to help you exercise in a way that's healthy for both you and your baby.

Stay hydrated. Drinking water is always important when you exercise, but it's doubly important when you're pregnant. That's because dehydration can lead to a number of serious issues, including premature labor and low levels of amniotic fluid. When you're dehydrated, your body temperature also rises. If your temperature gets too high, it could cause your baby to be harmed while in the womb. Drink a lot of water while exercising. If you're unsure of how much, consult with your pregnancy care specialist.

Avoid laying on your back. There are many exercises that require you to lay on your back, from sit-ups and crunches to the traditional bench press. While these moves are perfectly natural when you're not pregnant, they should be avoided now that you are with child. When you lay flat on your back, you put pressure on some of the major veins that carry blood to your uterus. Diminished blood flow can be bad for your baby.

When you're in bed or on the couch, you can use a pillow under your hip or buttocks to relieve the pressure. However, a support pillow may not be a practical option when you're exercising. Instead, look for alternatives or modified exercises that don't require you to lay on your back.

Up your calorie count. You may be exercising to limit the amount of weight you gain during pregnancy. With that goal in mind, you may also attempt to limit your calorie intake. While it's important to be healthy and not overindulge, it's equally important that you get enough calories into your body. If you're exercising regularly, then you're burning calories on a consistent basis. It's important for your baby's growth and health that you replace those calories. 

If you're not sure how much you should be eating, consult with your pregnancy care specialist, like those at The Woman's Center OB-GYN Associates. They can help you get a better understanding of the types of nutrition and exercise that will most benefit you and your baby.


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