Exercise and pregnancy
By Rob Beale, Group Health and Fitness Manager
There is a widely held misconception that you cannot exercise during pregnancy. However the reality is that exercising whilst pregnant, if undertaken sensibly and with expert guidance, can help make for an easier birth and a faster recovery back to your pre-baby body. Evidence clearly shows that keeping fit and healthy during pregnancy is important to your wellbeing and that of your baby.
Most medical professionals strongly recommend maintaining a level of activity and exercise during pregnancy for those women experiencing a normal, healthy pregnancy. It may well be a surprise to many to know that exercise can literally be undertaken right up to birth.
There are a number of options for exercising during pregnancy. Walking and swimming are both great ways to stay active. Many doctors and midwives recommend swimming specifically as the water supports your weight whilst helping your back and giving your heart, lungs and muscles a gentle workout. As such aqua natal classes can offer the perfect exercise for all stages of pregnancy.
It is however vital that you take care of your back during pregnancy. Good posture helps improve the tone of your muscles and avoids hollowing of your spine, which leads to aching in your lower back.
Many women enjoy yoga during pregnancy as it offers specific exercises to tone muscles, relieve aches and pains common during pregnancy, and ultimately creates a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. They also include pelvic floor exercises, which are important both during pregnancy and in the weeks following the birth.
The first step is to speak to your doctor or midwife and then seek advice on the right programme or activity for you from your David Lloyd personal trainer. Exercise in pregnancy not only helps your fitness but also gives you an opportunity to concentrate on yourself and your baby. The key is to start out gently and enjoy looking after yourself throughout your pregnancy.
