Fit Pregnancy: Myth Versus Fact

By Barbara P Manter

Just a few years ago, telling a woman that she can and should exercise while pregnant would have been met with weird looks and laughter. However, we now know that exercising during pregnancy is not only extremely beneficial to the mother, but to the baby's long-term health, as well.

One of the main myths of pregnancy is that you should not do any abdominal exercises. Although these exercises may not be possible to perform in the later parts of your pregnancy, doing core exercises will make getting back to your previous figure easier. Moreover, since core exercises work deep pelvic muscles, you may have a shorter, safer labor for both you and your baby. Also important is the benefit of core exercises on the back, which takes a lot of stress during pregnancy.

Regardless, before embarking on any exercise regimen while pregnant, you should consult your doctor. As a general rule, however, if you had a set regimen before you got pregnant, you should have no complications from continuing that same regimen after. That being said, be sure to monitor your exhaustion level, and remember that staying fit is a great priority, but trying to lose weight for the first time during pregnancy is whole separate thing. If you need to starting losing weight after you have conceived, eat a clean diet.

The best way to determine what level of exercise you can handle after you are pregnant is to continue the original regimen you were on. Then, let your doctor know what cardiovascular and strength training you are doing, and keep him or her informed throughout your pregnancy. By listening to them and your own body, you will be able to monitor you and let you know if it is time to back off on intensity.

Another factor to keep in mind is body temperature. Remember that your baby is unable to regulate its own body temperature. Therefore, you want to be sure that you have proper warm up and cool down time to help regulate your baby's temperature, as well as your own.

That being said, while you may be able to run up to the day you give birth, you do want to keep any deep muscle or movements to a minimum. When you are pregnant, your body will naturally produce greater amounts of the hormone relaxin. This hormone will increase your range of motion, because it lubricates your joints. While this may seem nice, this will increase your risk of injury if you are not careful.

You will also want to limit any exercises that involve balance. Bike riding may seem fun and easy during your pregnancy, but the act of balancing while carrying a baby is risky for both of you. One bad fall on roller blades can have dire effects on your pregnant belly.

Therefore, while there are still some myths surrounding pregnancy and exercise, the fact is that exercise is beneficial to baby and mother alike. Just remember to use common sense, listen to your body, and keep your doctor informed. - 30525

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