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Working Out While Pregnant

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Simple lifestyle changes that can boost your fertility naturally

Pregnant women are expected to exercise, but often don’t know exactly what they should be doing in order to keep themselves and their baby healthy. The key to exercising with a baby bump is to participate regularly in low-resistance exercises.

This will help to promote a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and also aid in preventing some complications, such as gestational diabetes. Here are a few workout ideas that are generally safe for pregnant women to participate in. Just remember to always ask your doctor before implementing an exercise routine during pregnancy.

Walking

Walking is a great way to get exercise, and it can be done almost anywhere. You may want to get a treadmill or a gym membership so that you can walk indoors, for a few reasons. First, it is really important that pregnant women don’t overheat while exercising.

So if it’s hot outside, don’t go out to get your workout. The other reason is that pregnant women don’t have great balance, especially as the due date approaches. So just in case, anything happens while you are out walking, it would be much better if it happened indoors so that you aren’t out in the middle of the wilderness at the time. At the very least, make sure that you always have a cell phone with you so that you can call for help if you need it.

Yoga or Pilates

These low resistance workouts are great for the mind and body. Many cities offer classes specifically for pregnant women, and these are a wonderful resource since you will be able to work out with other women who are in the same boat. Not only is this good exercise, but it can be a wonderful support group throughout your pregnancy.

There are also prenatal yoga and pilates DVDs available that may be worth looking into. These are a good option if you prefer to do the workout alone in your own home, and it’s nice to have the flexibility to participate in the workout whenever you are in the mood for it.

Swimming

Swimming is a wonderful activity for pregnant women because being in the pool takes a lot of weight off of the back and other areas that you may be having problems with. If you live in a warm climate and use an outdoor pool, just make sure that you use sunscreen and that you don’t stay out long enough to get overheated.

Swimming a few laps can be a great workout. Just make sure that you never swim alone just in case you cramp up, or anything else happens. Swimming in a group, or having a lifeguard present is always best!