Staying fit during pregnancy can be challenging, especially during a time of increased precautions and stay-at-home orders. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about foregoing exercise altogether – there are plenty of exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home! Keep reading to learn more about staying fit during pregnancy with exercises you can try at home.
When it comes to physical activity during pregnancy, the most important thing to keep in mind is to listen to your body. Believing in yourself and understanding your body’s needs will help you identify what’s best for you and your baby. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to modify some exercises as your body changes. To make sure that you’re doing the right kind of exercise, always consult with your health-care provider before beginning any type of workout.
One of the best things about exercising at home is that many of these exercises are low-impact, which is great for pregnant women. Low impact workouts are gentler on your joints, so you can do them safely while still getting a good workout. Among all the exercises you can do at home, swimming, walking, and yoga are excellent low-impact exercises. Swimming is an excellent overall body exercise, and it’s particularly good for pregnant women because the water supports some of your weight and helps reduce strain on your joints. Walking is known to reduce stress levels and can be combined with other exercises such as squats and lunges to get your heart rate up. Finally, yoga is a great way to relax and relieve tension.
In addition to these low-impact exercises, there are some exercises you can do while sitting or lying down. These types of exercises are particularly helpful for pregnant women who may be unable to do more strenuous activities. These exercises include pelvic floor exercises, leg stretches, and birth ball exercises. Pelvic floor exercises help strengthen your abdominal muscles, which are essential for labor and delivery. Leg stretches help promote good circulation and reduce lower back pain. And birth ball exercises help strengthen your core and back muscles.
Finally, if you need a break from exercise, remember that rest is just as important. Make sure to take breaks between exercises to give your body a chance to recuperate. Also, avoid exercises that require a lot of bouncing or jumping, as this can be dangerous for you and your baby.