• It helps natural
delivery, making it quicker and easier.
• It helps you to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy and makes sure it’s not excessive- and No, you are not to eat double portions for two!
It prepares you for the physical stress of labour and birth; think about it, the better shape you’re in, the stronger you’ll be, to cope with the labour, the birth and life after. Giving birth is like running a marathon. It requires stamina, determination and focus. Staying active during pregnancy is good preparation for the hard work that lies ahead.
• It makes getting back into shape after your baby is born easier.
• It gives you an energy boost: Being pregnancy has a way of sapping you of energy, especially in the first and last trimesters. Regular bouts of exercise, such as brisk walking, will help you feel healthy and better able to tackle your daily tasks.
Exercise stretches and strengthens your muscles, which will help your body cope better with the aches and pains of pregnancy. Stretches will ease back pain, walking will improve your circulation, and swimming will strengthen your tummy muscles. Swimming is also good for easing any discomfort you may feel as you gain weight.
Women who exercise during their pregnancy tend to have a more positive outlook than those who do not (endorphins are feel good hormones); it will help keep away those pregnancy blues and depression
Making it work
So why not try a new activity now that you’re pregnant? Take a dance class; other activities such as swimming, walking, cycling and low-impact aerobics are good choices. Pregnancy is not the right time to start any new intensive exercise, but it is safe to continue with most types of exercise if you’re already used to them.
• You only need 30 mins of exercise per day during this period.
• Try to fit in your exercise early in your day when your energy is still up.
• Make sure you don’t exercise on an empty stomach and drink plenty of water.
• Stretch your lower back with
Bring your arms up, interlock your fingers and your feet hip width apart. Hold your stomach in gently, and as you breathe out through your mouth, slowly curl your spine and bring your forehead towards your belly button. Breathe in and lengthen back up slowly. Do 4-5 reps.
You can also do this on the floor:
Get down on your hands and knees, wrists directly under your shoulders. Slowly round your back, holding for one breath. Then, arch your back, tilting your pelvis toward the floor. Repeat.
Remember that while you’re pregnant, the hormone “Relaxin” works to soften up the tough, flexible tissues (ligaments) that connect your bones. It also loosens up your pelvic joints, ready for your baby’s journey into the world. Even if you’re normally quite supple, the effect of this hormone could make you more prone to sprains and other injuries. So, be careful with your activity of choice and get a check up from your doctor.
Have fun with your pregnancy; treat yourself to cute maternity workout clothes. Take care of your body; pamper yourself with regular manicures and pedicures or even a haircut.
Love and enjoy your body…and it will love you right back.
Author- Oyinkan Talabi (Bodyworks)
No comments:
Post a Comment