There are many myths that surround pregnancy with a popular one being that pregnant women should not exercise. Admittedly, pregnant women are advised to stay away from strenuous activities, it is also essential to keep fit while pregnant. By keeping fit, the chances of complications during labor and feelings of fatigue are reduced.
Here are some ways to stay fit during pregnancy without jeopardizing the health of the baby.
Eat Healthily
Even when you are not pregnant, you are advised to eat healthy by making sure to have a balanced diet. Now that you are feeding for two, your body needs more nutrients and one of the ways of keeping pregnant during pregnancy is by making sure that your nutrition is handled properly. Consumption of a balanced diet will help in regulating hormones and dulling unhealthy cravings that are sure to come with pregnancy.
Take Brisk Walks
Put on your comfortable walking shoes and get walking! Get a move on as walking helps to gently increase the heart rate without leaving you out of breath. Also, take walks on surfaces that are stable to avoid risks of falling down.
Do Yoga
Yoga has been shown to improve balance, flexibility, and endurance. These are three things that can help ease the strains that come with being pregnant. Certain yoga poses like the warrior pose and cat and cow pose help with stability and also serve as hip openers.
Swim
Many women have said that they found swimming during their pregnancy to be calming and invigorating. This is understandable because most women tend to feel hotter during pregnancy. Swimming in chlorinated water is neither harmful to mother or child except there is a prior allergy to chlorine. Whether you are an avid swimmer or not, just staying at the shallow end of the pool and enjoying the sensation can help you to be less fatigued.
The Doctor Is Your Friend
Don’t miss your doctor’s appointments during pregnancy and before starting any fitness program or introduce yourself to a new diet during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor or health care, provider. Remember that the goal is to be safe and fit before and after pregnancy.