Rules of Exercise During Pregnancy: Always Better to be Cautious

The rules of exercise during pregnancy need to be strictly adhered to. Exercising moderately and under supervision is always good for pregnant women as it increases their stamina and also helps them during labor. The first step that needs to be taken before you embark on any exercise routine is to consult with your health care provider and to determine if your condition doesn't have any of the complications listed below-:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Risk factors for preterm labor
• Premature rupturing of membranes

Women who have these risk factors in their pregnancy are strictly advised not to exercise. Otherwise also, pregnant women are recommended low impact exercises only for instance aerobics, water aerobics, walking or light swimming. After the first trimester is over, more care needs to be taken while exercising. No exercises should be done lying flat on the back anymore. Exercises during early pregnancy are different from those done in the later stages. Whatever be the stage safe exercise during pregnancy is always recommended.

No matter how active you have been in the pre pregnancy stage, after you conceive you need to be constantly in touch with your health care provider and exercise according to his recommendation. Exercises to avoid during pregnancy whether in the earlier stages or in the later ones are impact sports like scuba diving, basketball, soccer, or gymnastics, etc.

Another important rule of exercising during pregnancy is that if you are just beginning then take it slow! May be start with just 5-10 minutes of exercise in a day. However, it is important to continue these exercises at least thrice a week. This is because sporadic exercise can cause harm than any benefit. It can cause tension in the muscles etc leading to excess strain.

As the pregnancy progresses the girth increases and so do the chances of losing balance. Moreover, the abdominal area becomes vulnerable and needs to be protected. Other important things that need to be kept in mind are that you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Any unease that you experience while exercising should be reported immediately to your health care provider.

All jerky movements are also a strict no in the rules of exercise during pregnancy. Another important thing that needs to be kept in mind is that the heart beat of the pregnant mother should not exceed 140 beats per minute while exercising. Any exercises that require the holding of breath should be avoided. The rules of exercising during pregnancy don't change, means that warm up is equally important. This helps the body get into the right mode for exercise and the muscles don't feel stressed once the actual exercise begins. Drinking plenty of water is also important to keep your body well hydrated and fit for the exercise regimen.