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Most experts agree that women who exercise
during pregnancy feel better, look nicer, and get back in to
shape after their delivery than women who do not
exercise. Exercising during pregnancy is necessary for a
previously healthy person. If you were following an exercise
program before you became pregnant, chances are your doctor
will let you continue it, but probably in a modified, less
vigorous form. Exercises benefit both mother and baby. It can
strengthen muscles, lower your heart rate, improve blood
circulation, reduce fatigue and helps you to sleep better.
There are many different types of exercise that can be
beneficial. Ask your doctor for specific
recommendations.
Basic
Rules
Consult your Doctor before you start an
exercise program.
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Wear loose comfortable clothing, a support
bra and proper flat or low-heeled shoes.
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Include warm-up and cool-down
exercises.
-
Start slowly and gradually increase the
intensity of exercises.
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Stop exercising when fatigued and don’t
exercise to exhaustion.
-
Stop if you feel any pain, light headed,
breathless, or faint.
-
Don’t exercise in supine position (flat on
your back), after the 1st trimester because
pressure from your heavy uterus on the major blood vessels
can diminish blood flow to your heart and to the
placenta.
-
A sudden change in position can also make
you feel giddy, so be careful.
-
Because of the enlargement of your uterus
and breasts, your physical centre of gravity changes. So
don’t do exercises, which require balancing, especially in
the third trimester. Also wear low-heeled or flat
footwear.
-
During pregnancy both basal metabolic rate
and heat production increase. Avoid hot tubs, steam rooms
and saunas as these cause overheating.
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Do mild to moderate exercise routines
three days a week.
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Drink enough water (at least 8
glasses).
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You need an extra 300 Calories over
pre-pregnant requirement. While exercising, be sure to eat
enough.
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