Exercise For a Healthy Pregnancy

During pregnancy keeping up an exercise plan will reap benefits for the full 9 months as well as during delivery and in the weeks following the birth of your baby. If you exercised regularly prior to becoming pregnant then there is usually no need to change most of your activities but obviously contact sports or anything involving large weights is not recommended, similarly any sport that may involve falling such as skiing should be avoided. If you are accustomed to high impact aerobic exercise then switch to low impact and make sure that you call talk comfortably all through your regime -you must avoid overheating.

There are some situations that mean you should reduce the amount of exercise you do including (but not exclusively) - previous miscarriage, anemia (low iron levels), if you are over or underweight, have high blood pressure or any pre-existing medical condition. You must not exercise if you are expecting three or more babies, have a low lying placenta, had a threatened miscarriage or have gone into premature labor during this pregnancy, have cervical weakness or vaginal bleeding.

Whilst moderate and gentle exercise can reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow you must not exercise if your blood pressure is very high.

If you are a fan of yoga or pilates make sure that your trainer knows you are pregnant and has experience of working with pregnant women, there are many specialist classes available so look into this option as soon as you know you are expecting a baby.

Don't begin a difficult new exercise regime during pregnancy but if you previously did no exercise at all then walking and swimming are usually great activities to take up.

Light exercise will help with some problems that are associated with pregnancy - back ache, constipation and fatigue will all improve and your sleeping patterns will usually become regular.

Steady exercise will increase your stamina and help prepare your body for giving birth, you will be more supple and probably recover quicker if you are fit and healthy during the final trimester of your pregnancy. You will need a lot of energy for the first few months after your baby is born so do not neglect your health and well being.

Of course one worry for many women is gaining and then losing weight, if you have established an exercise pattern during pregnancy you are much more likely to have controlled your weight gain and be able to shed those extra pounds quickly. But remember you body has been through some huge changes, the most important goal is to have enough energy and be healthy enough to care for yourself and your baby, you can consider a weight loss plan once you have both settled into a comfortable routine. Breastfeeding mothers will need to keep up the extra food and calorie intake so need to be careful about over-exercising.

Always discuss your exercise plans with your medical practitioner, it is very important that you have talked through any potential health issues and received the best advice possible.