8 Best Workouts and Exercises for Pregnant Women

Exercises are a good way for a pregnant woman at whatever stage of pregnancy to keep fit and give birth to a healthy baby. Exercising during pregnancy helps you to avoid adding excess weight, eliminate and reduce backache, improve your overall health, and help make delivery easier. 

Because exercising is great for pregnant women doesn\’t mean all exercises are fine for pregnant women, or all pregnant women are fit to get involved. There are things to consider when deciding to start exercising.

When you shouldn\’t exercise if

• You have been diagnosed with placenta Previa, which is placenta lying low to your cervix.
• You have spotting or experienced vaginal bleeding. This could be signs of threatened abortion, and your doctor has to approve an exercise routine.
• You have a weak cervix with a history of preterm labor or miscarriage
• Exercising brings on regular contractions that last up to an hour.
• Fatigue sets in after every exercise
• You have a pregnancy-induced condition that could be life-threatening to you and the baby.

Exercises for Pregnant Women

Brisk or fast walking:

You need a firm bra or sports bra, good sneakers that has a good grip and sport wears. If you are not the regular exercise type, then you can start by walking briskly on smooth surfaces. Avoid steep planes, potholes, and ditches. This form of cardiovascular exercise and one of the best exercises for pregnant women.

Swimming

Swimming is an excellent form of aerobics and muscle-strengthening exercise. It is safe for every stage of pregnancy. The pleasurable part about swimming is that the water supports your tummy, takes the pressure off your back and joint. To take caution, avoid jumping and diving into the poop as this could have an undesirable impact on your pump. Avoid slipping as much as possible.

Cycling

Whether you choose stationary cycling or your bike, you are safe even as a first-timer. Cycling is a safe aerobic exercise good for the heart rate and taking stress off the joints. As you advance in pregnancy and your bump starts to change your center of gravity, I will advise stationary cycling to minimize the risk of falling.

Running

One of the best workouts for pregnant women and a great aerobic. If you were running or jogging before you got pregnant, you could continue. Running has a low impact on the abdomen. You can also consider running on a treadmill if you don\’t want to work out outside as your pregnancy progresses.

Pelvic Tilts

• A stomach strengthening workout for pregnant women. It helps reduce back pain. You can either take a kneeling position or rest against the wall for support.
• Go down on your knees and hands on your workout mat or a cushioned place (to prevent falling or impact from falling)
• Arching your back, tuck in your tummy from your belly button region
• Release it after five seconds.
• Repeat this process ten times
• If you choose to rest on the wall, make your back flat against the wall
• Tuck in your tummy and repeat the process

Related Article: Best Postpartum Wraps to Help Lose Your Belly Bumps

Pregnancy exercise for normal delivery

While exercises are fantastic to keep you healthy and fit throughout pregnancy, these are exercises you can engage in during pregnancy for normal delivery.

Pilates Exercises

This workout helps with balance and flexibility. Pilates workout strengthens the portion of the abdomen known as \”transverse abdominis\” that wraps around the abdomen. During childbirth, it compresses and helps the uterus push out your baby in the final phase of labor. You will need to practice this workout postpartum once your doctor clears you, this will help you get your abs in shape

• Sit on a yoga block, physioball or a chair in your house
• Inhale through your nose, filling up your belly with air and allowing the muscles of your stomach to relax
• Exhale a slow and slow breath. You can involve your mouth when exhaling.
• Repeat this workout several times.

Hip Raises

While your pregnancy bumps advances, the Hip Raises workout will help support it, strengthen your bum, and also help in labor.

• Lie flat on your back with knees bent upwards. Don\’t stay in this position for long. 
• Place your palms under your hips
• Then gradually lift your hips till your feet is flat on the ground, and your torso is in line with your shoulders.
• Hold this position for two seconds and lower slowly to the position you took at the beginning.

Pelvic Floor Exercise

Pelvic floor muscles, which are located in your pelvis and go all the way to your spine at the base, are essential in your second stage of labor. Pregnancy and childbirth can easily weaken your pelvic area; A Kegel exercise is recommended, to have a more natural virginal delivery and strengthen these muscles. You can do this anywhere and anytime.

Things to note when exercising during pregnancy

1. Before you start exercising, warm-up, and rest after.
2. Avoid getting so exhausted from exercising. Remember that pregnancy demands energy.
3. Try as much as possible to carry out a workout at least thirty minutes daily actively.
4. Drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids
5. Do not exercise immediately after eating or eat quickly after a workout.
6. Avoid exercises that exert high air pressure.
7. Avoid exercises that have a high risk of falling or at least carry out such activities with great caution. A fall to your abdomen is highly detrimental to the health of your baby.
8. It is best to work with qualified or certified gym instructors who are familiar with working with pregnant women if you want to work out in a gym.
9. Avoid heavy weightlifting.
10. Put on comfortable and loose-fitting clothing when exercising
11. Do not exercise in high humidity or overheated environment.

Exercises that have a risk of falling, such as horse riding, downhill skiing, ice hockey, gymnastics, and cycling, should only be done with caution. Falls carry a risk of damage to your baby.