Pilates

Keeping fit and healthy during a pregnancy can be a daunting task for the modern woman. With so many aspects of your body to maintain and monitor, the idea of some fancy demanding fitness routine being added to the mix may be the last straw for some. Especially if you were not exactly the sporty type before you became pregnant. On the other hand, if you were a bit of a fitness nut before your pregnancy you might need to relax your routines according to your doctors advice. If you were a bit of a couch potato before, then now is not the time to get obsessive about fitness. This article will examine your options and make some suggestions for your way forward.

Lets hear from the experts first. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) guidelines for pregnancy fitness indicate that in general you should be exercising no more than thirty minutes of moderate activity, and then, only as long as there are no signs of complication. Thats important. Muscle aches and pain that won't go away, problems breathing, feeling lethargic and tired during your workout, nausea and anything close to vomiting, fainting spells or feeling your heartbeat is irregular all qualify as red warning flags to stop and consult your doctor. Now is not the time to 'feel the burn' and push on regardless!

Of course it goes without saying that all activities that run the risk of falling should be on your list of activities to avoid. So scuba diving is out. Potential contact sports such as lacrosse, hockey, basketball and horseback riding are also best left to others while you're pregnant. As always, consult with your doctor for a moderate exercise plan. But it isnt all caution and doom. Of course exercise helps your circulation, lowers you stress levels and lets face it, can help you keep sane. Exercise also has the benefit that its something that can keep you to a routine and interact with other people. The social interaction during a pregnancy can sometimes be of great help to a woman who might not have the support some are bless with. Bonding with other woman is perhaps a similar situation may take some of the anxiety of the pregnancy out of it. So find something gentle, something low impact that doesn't 'jolt' your frame is ideal. You might consider walking, swimming, Pilates or even a moderate Yoga workout for strengthening those all important abdominal, pelvic and back muscles which you'll need now more than ever! Seek out expert tuition if at all possible and involve your physician at every stage of your routines. Exercise that may well benefit you in the earlier stages of pregnancy might not be so fabulous when youre closer to your due date.

Your pregnancy should be a wonderful time and a well-planned exercise program can add significantly to your stamina and enjoyment of life during this period of your life. Just be careful, pay attention to your body and when possible exercise with others so that you can be of mutual help to each other should you happen to need assistance. Heres a great pregnancy and a blessed birth!

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