What is the best-recommended exercise?
During pregnancy the following exercises are found to be beneficial. They are low impact aerobics, calisthenics, slow gymnastic movements specially tailored for pregnancy, Kegel exercises, yoga and relaxation techniques.
It is imperative for pregnant women to seek the clearance from their doctors before taking up any form of exercise. Those women for whom exercise and fitness have been a way of life even before pregnancy must still get the clearance from their specialist before continuing with exercise.
The guidance of a
certified prenatal fitness expert can be sought to understand the different types of exercise beneficial during pregnancy and childbirth.
Most of the research suggesting the immense benefits of exercise to the mother and baby deal with low impact weight bearing aerobic exercise, undertaken at least 3 – 5 times a week. Low impact aerobic exercise is good for cardiovascular fitness, improving flexibility of muscles and joints, and keeping excessive weight gain at bay.
Walking, cycling, and
step aerobics are different forms of low impact aerobic exercise.
Swimming is a good way to maintain cardiovascular fitness. Further, many expectant women feel comfortable in water due to the feeling of weightlessness.
Yoga during pregnancy is also gaining popularity though it is not as beneficial as low impact aerobic exercise. Yet, the stretching movements improve flexibility of the body, by reducing muscle tension and stiffness.
Further, yogic breathing induces peace, calm and relaxation by reducing stress. Stress during pregnancy is known to increase risks of abortion, preterm labor, and many disorders in children.
A complete prenatal exercise regimen typically employs a combination of low impact aerobics, yoga for stretching exercises, Kegel exercises for pelvic muscles, and yogic breathing for relaxation.
