Exercise Whilst Pregnant

Women always wonder how much or how little exercise they can do whilst pregnant. To much to little and what benefits does it bring to you and your baby. What could be dangerous and harmful to both of you during your pregnancy.

We will take a look at what is possible from conception to birth and the benefits. Along with some forms of exercise that you should probably avoid.

Walking Whilst Pregnant

This is definitely one activity that you want to be doing during this time. A gentle walk be it with your dog or your partner brings brings all positives to your health and well-being as well. It has been proven that exercise and fresh air also boost mental health as well.

Depending in what season (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter ) you will be giving birth will also determine what type of clothes you wear. Of course as you grow through the trimesters you will need new clothing to help deal with that expanding tummy.

Active Maternity Wear

Once you get to that certain stage your normal clothes will no longer fit and you will need maternity wear or bigger jeans. The downside to buying maternity wear is that they are useless once you have given birth. Thats the exact reason why some mothers to be do not buy any maternity wear as they see it as a waste of money.

What if you told you that there is out there on the market active maternity wear that will still fit you after birth. A company in the UK has done just that and created a range of outdoor pregnancy clothes that will fit you perfectly after. Not only that they will grow as you grow with this innovative design from Mother & Nature.

Active Maternity Trousers

The Mother & Nature maternity walking trousers are comfortable to wear and have a mesh lining inside for warmth. They have are made from a waterproof material and will keep you dry in the rain.
The adjustable waist band mean you can wear these maternity trousers throughout the pregnancy and for all that pram walking once baby is born.

There is a drawstring round the bottom of the trouser legs to give you the option of tightening these if they are a little long. Or just to keep them dry around the bottom is walking in some muddy conditions. Making these the perfect waterproof maternity trousers

Active Maternity Coat

This waterproof maternity jacket has been designed with a unique expandable side panel feature. Thus enabling it to be adjusted throughout pregnancy, and then reduced in size after baby has been born.  This makes it ideal for walks in the park with baby, and also extremely cost effective.

Don’t get caught short this winter with a jacket that won’t fasten over your bump! The ONLY waterproof maternity coat available in the world, and that’s no exaggeration!

Active Maternity Fleece

This fleece is ideal throughout pregnancy and beyond. The unique expandable side panel features means it will last longer than the majority of maternity wear available as the fleece grows with your bump. It can then be reduced back down afterwards so you can wear it post-pregnancy.

The perfect accompaniment to any winter wardrobe. It will keep you warm during those cold winter months. Whether you’re out walking the dog, down at the stables, or snuggled on the sofa. This fleece offers that extra layer of warmth you need this time of year. The outdoor Maternity fleece

Made from thick microfibre fleece it definitely provides comfort and warmth, as well as being breathable. Ensuring you and your bump don’t overheat. Manufactured with an adjustable side panel feature. This maternity fleece top can be worn time and time again, during and after pregnancy. It can be zipped up to keep out any cold draughts to feel nice and warm round your neck. Just unzip in the warmer weather.

Adjustable side panel

Exercise for post pregnancy usually involve pelvic floor exercise but that doesn’t mean you should stop doing what you were doing. If you managed to keep active during your pregnancy then continue. Especially the walking and with the pram in front of you what could be better for you both.

What Exercises To Avoid During Pregnancy

• Sports that carry a higher risk of falling or abdominal injury, like gymnastics, downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating.
• Sports that involve altitude change. Unless you’re living in high altitudes already, avoid any activity that takes you up more than 6,000 feet. On the flip side, scuba diving, which poses a risk of decompression sickness for your baby.
• Hot yoga or exercise in super hot weather: Any exercise or environment that raises your body temperature more than 1.5 degrees F should be avoided, since it causes blood to be shunted away from your uterus and to your skin as your body attempts to cool off.
• Back bends or other contortions, as well as movements that involve deep flexion or extension of joints (like deep knee bends), can increase your risk of injury.
• Jumping, bouncing and sudden, jerky motions are best avoided (although otherwise aerobic activity is perfectly safe so as long as you’re comfortable and can easily keep your balance).
• Excessive or bouncy stretching. Since your ligaments are already looser, pregnancy isn’t the time to force a split or progress your yoga practice. If something hurts, stop

What The Experts Say About Exercise In Pregnancy

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that resistance training reduced “pregnancy discomfort”, including fatigue, nausea and insomnia; a report published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology said women who exercised were less likely to develop gestational diabetes. Scientists at the University of Granada reported that moderate-intensity exercise three times a week halved the risk of babies being born with a high birth weight, thus reducing the need for a caesarean. (Source) Telegraph.

First Published