The Do's And Don'ts Exercise for pregnant women

Pregnancy is an experience which gives the feeling of comubpleteness to a woman. It is accompanied by several changes which occur in a women's body in which physiological change tops the list. The psychological changes associated with pregnancy warrant evaluation of obstetric & medical risk prior to engaging in regular physical exercise. Exercising during your pregnancy has great benefits - it can help prepare you for labor and childbirth and lift your spirits - but you need to approach working out with extra caution. Healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancy do not need to limit their exercise for fear of adverse effects. Participation in a wide range of recreational activities appears safe during & after pregnancy. Whether you're a regular exerciser looking to continue your regimen during pregnancy or a former couch potato looking to get moving, follow these rules to keep you and your baby safe.

Take note of our dos and don’ts so you know the right way to stay fit and healthy.

Do's:

In the absence of either medical or obstetric complications,30 to 40 mins of moderate physical activity at least 3 days/wk is recommended.

Women who were sedentary prior to pregnancy should begin with light intensity low impact activities such as walking & swimming.

Pregnancy requires an additional 300 Kcal/day.

•  Exercising indoor may provide more environmental control to avoid excess heat, cold & air pollution.
• Appropriate clothing, environmental considerations and adequate hydration should be priorities during exercise program to prevent hyperthermia.
• Maternal hypoglycemia may be associated with strenuous exercise therefore one has to increase carbohydrate intake (eg.30 to 50 g) with food and sports drink prior to exercise.
• Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise to help prevent dehydration.
• Dress appropriately. Wear light, cotton clothing that breathes. Overdressing contributes to overheating during exercise.

• Get the OK from your OB before you start exercising. Even though it's healthy to get moving, you want to take precautions if you have health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

• Continue running, biking, or dancing, as long as you were doing these pre-pregnancy. You'll most likely need to tone down your intensity to accommodate your lower levels of energy.

• Stop exercising immediately if you experience pain, dizziness, fatigue, or a headache. If you start spotting, call your OB or midwife.

• It's recommended for pregos to work out moderately for 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga are excellent choices.

• Warm up and cool down to avoid injury. Your heart rate is higher when you're preggers so give your body time to ease into your workout, and to slow down to normal once you're finished.

• Pregnancy and heat do not go well together, so work out in a cool environment to prevent overheating.

• Do kegels, also known as pelvic floor exercises. Strengthening these muscles will make it easier to release them while in labor, and will also tighten them up after birth to prevent incontinence. Another plus is that a strong pelvic floor improves sex.

• Strength training is highly recommended during pregnancy to keep your muscles strong.

• Take breaks whenever you need to, either to sip some water, stretch your muscles, or to empty your bladder.

• Exercise depending on how you feel, not on what you have scheduled. Today you may not feel like going to your swim class, but tomorrow you may have energy to walk for an hour straight.

Don'ts:

• Motionless standing results in venous blood pooling, so it should be avoided.

• Avoid exercise in lying down position & motionless standing position.

•  Avoid brisk exercise in hot, humid weather or when you have a fever.

• Avoid exercise that involves the risk of abdominal trauma, fall and excessive joint stress. When exercising, pregnant women should be aware of signs & symptoms for discontinuing exercise and seeking medical advice.

• Avoid contact sports such as soccer, activities that involve moving fast, or those that put you at risk for falling, like horseback riding.

• Also steer clear of activities that require balance like biking or skiing, as your center of gravity isn't what it used to be.

• Avoid trying out new types of movement. Now is not the time to take up surfing if you've never been on a board.

• It's safe to work your abs during pregnancy, but once you hit 20 weeks, avoid laying on your back for extended periods of time. It can reduce blood flow to your brain and uterus.

• Don't push yourself. Pregnancy is not the time to break personal fitness records, and it may not even be possible to maintain your pre-pregnancy standards.

• Don't push your pace. You should be able to carry on a normal conversation while exercising, without gasping for air.

• Don't overdo it when stretching. Your body produces a hormone called relaxin that softens your joints and gives your muscles more elasticity. This makes it easier for you to stretch deeper than you ever could, but be careful not to tear a muscle.

• Avoid standing still for prolonged periods. It can decrease blood flow to your uterus and cause blood to pool in your legs, which will make you dizzy.

• Don't invert your body (go upside down as in headstands or shoulderstands) if you have high blood pressure or issues with your eyes.

• Don't restrict your calorie intake. It's recommended to consume an extra 300 to 500 calories a day, especially when exercising.