7 Exercises to keep you healthy during your pregnancy

You’re pregnant and carrying a load. Your back aches, you’ve put on weight, your hands and feet are swollen and you can’t sleep. Well, that’s because you’ve been lying on your bed all day! It’s time to get back on your feet and exercise, because it plays a huge role in prenatal care. Exercise during pregnancy helps build your muscles and significantly reduces back pains. Worried about losing all that pregnancy weight after childbirth? Then start acting now! Because exercise during pregnancy is the best way to get back in shape after your child is born. Let us take the role of your gym instructor and guide you through some basic pregnancy exercises:

1. Walking

   The best, easiest and most convenient way of exercise! You can do it anywhere, and it doesn’t require any equipment other than a good pair of shoes. Even if you have a busy schedule, you can squeeze in a short ten-minute walk in there somewhere. The best part is that you can do it anytime throughout your pregnancy. Skip the vehicle the next time you go grocery shopping. A cool, breezy evening, a great walk down the park, what’s not to like?

2. Swimming

   Swimming has been the most recommended exercise by doctors for early pregnancy care. Like walking, it helps circulation and builds muscle tone. It will also reduce the swelling on your arms and feet. After weeks and weeks of carrying a load, you will feel much lighter when you immerse yourself in that pool.

3. Aerobics

   Aerobics exercise also does wonders for your body during pregnancy. It is invigorating and helps freshen up your mood. It’s great for your heart and muscles. What’s more, sign up for an aerobics class with other expectant mothers and you’ll make a few friends to hang out with and share the joy of becoming a mother.

4. Prenatal Yoga

   Yoga classes for pregnant women are a rage these days and it’s an excellent form of exercise during prenatal care. It will improve your flexibility, breathing and can be very relaxing. Combine it with a good cardio-vascular exercise and you’re good to go.

5. Dancing

   A little light dancing can be great for you during pregnancy care and even better you enjoy it as a hobby. Choose a dance with smooth, slow movements. Avoid jumping or twisting and make sure to avoid any steps that might cause you to lose your balance.

6. Indoor cycling

   Your knees and ankles are already withstanding some extra weight from your baby. Indoor cycling is a great way to exercise your leg muscles without putting much pressure on your knees and ankles. You can sit comfortably, without having to worry about balancing yourself.

7. Weight lifting

   Lifting light weights is perfectly safe during pregnancy and helps strengthen your muscles. Just make sure you use light weights that you feel comfortable to lift. Increase your repetitions if you have to.

   Doctors recommend 30 minutes of exercise every day to keep your body healthy and fit. All that walking and swimming and dancing will have a positive impact during your child’s delivery. The delivery will be easier on you and you will feel a lot better during the procedure. Choose a workout that you enjoy and stay motivated!

Disclaimer: The exercises suggested here are only recommendations. As exercises carry an element of risk, it is better to confirm it with your doctor before commencing your exercise programme.