Exercising During Pregnancy
- By Southern Mom
- Published 03/4/2008
- Pregnancy
- Unrated
About 30 minutes to an hour before you tie on your sneakers, snack on a high-carbohydrate, low-calorie snack, such as raw carrot sticks, a banana, rice cakes, a fruit smoothie, a bowl of cereal, or a bran muffin. You not only deserve a treat, you actually require it. The fact is, you’re now burning carbohydrates faster than expectant moms who don’t exercise, so you need the energy boost a snack can provide.
Exercise is good for you, as long as you allow for the current condition of your body. For example, you should avoid any exercises that require balancing because your center of gravity isn’t where it used to be.
Four dos and four don’ts
1. DO take the time to warm up and cool down.
Always spend 10 minutes warming up before you exercise strenuously and another 10 minutes cooling down when you’re finished. You now need a little more time for your heart and respiration rates to climb and then return to normal.
2. DO wear an athletic bra.
It will provide good support for your breasts, which will be larger and somewhat tender. Not only will an athletic bra make exercising much more comfortable, it will help your breasts retain their shape.
3. DO stop if you feel very tired, dizzy, or nauseated.
Remember,
you’re exercising to boost your energy. As always, listen to your body. If it wants to quit, then quit.
4. DO drink plenty of water.
There’s always a danger of dehydration during exercise. So drink 2 glasses of water about an hour before you exercise, then a glass halfway through your workout and another glass when you’re done.
1. DON’T exercise in extreme heat or humidity.
Under these conditions, even a good sweat may not be able to cool your body sufficiently. If you elevate your core temperature–the temperature inside your body–it could endanger your baby. If the weather is hot and humid, head for the pool, a mall walk, or an air-conditioned gym.
2. DON’T exercise while lying on your back after your third month.
Your uterus and baby can press down on major blood vessels, dangerously lowering your blood pressure.
3. DON’T exercise if you become short of breath.
Take the "Talk Test." You should be able to carry on a conversation even at the peak of your exercising. If you’re unable to speak because you’re gasping and panting, you’re working too hard. Slow down.
4. DON’T use a hot tub or sauna.
The high temperatures in the hot tub or sauna can raise your core temperature, endangering your baby.
Exercise is good for you, as long as you allow for the current condition of your body. For example, you should avoid any exercises that require balancing because your center of gravity isn’t where it used to be.
Four dos and four don’ts
1. DO take the time to warm up and cool down.
Always spend 10 minutes warming up before you exercise strenuously and another 10 minutes cooling down when you’re finished. You now need a little more time for your heart and respiration rates to climb and then return to normal.
2. DO wear an athletic bra.
It will provide good support for your breasts, which will be larger and somewhat tender. Not only will an athletic bra make exercising much more comfortable, it will help your breasts retain their shape.
3. DO stop if you feel very tired, dizzy, or nauseated.
Remember,
4. DO drink plenty of water.
There’s always a danger of dehydration during exercise. So drink 2 glasses of water about an hour before you exercise, then a glass halfway through your workout and another glass when you’re done.
1. DON’T exercise in extreme heat or humidity.
Under these conditions, even a good sweat may not be able to cool your body sufficiently. If you elevate your core temperature–the temperature inside your body–it could endanger your baby. If the weather is hot and humid, head for the pool, a mall walk, or an air-conditioned gym.
2. DON’T exercise while lying on your back after your third month.
Your uterus and baby can press down on major blood vessels, dangerously lowering your blood pressure.
3. DON’T exercise if you become short of breath.
Take the "Talk Test." You should be able to carry on a conversation even at the peak of your exercising. If you’re unable to speak because you’re gasping and panting, you’re working too hard. Slow down.
4. DON’T use a hot tub or sauna.
The high temperatures in the hot tub or sauna can raise your core temperature, endangering your baby.
