If you live an active lifestyle, you shouldn’t have to change that when you’re pregnant. But as your baby and belly grow, you may have to make some modifications to stay safe and healthy. You can still exercise in later pregnancy, but there’s a safe way to go about it.
OB/GYN John Paul Robert, MD, and our team offer compassionate and comprehensive prenatal care at our clinic in Plano, Texas. If you’re pregnant and need tips on staying fit and healthy throughout your journey, Dr. Roberts is happy to help.
Exercise isn’t just about staying healthy during your pregnancy. It also has other benefits for both you and your baby. Staying active in every trimester helps you have an easier, more manageable experience while you’re pregnant.
Your third trimester can be trying at times, due to the significant changes in your body. But light exercise helps in a number of ways by:
Exercise during pregnancy also helps your body prepare for the upcoming birth of your baby. Labor is difficult, and regular exercise helps you prepare your breathing, endurance, and strength to get you through the labor stage of birth.
It’s always a good idea to talk to Dr. Roberts before starting any new exercise, especially in your third trimester. Although light activity is helpful, too much vigorous exercise can actually do more harm than good.
To get a little workout in during the last few months of pregnancy, consider these safe choices:
The water helps take the weight off of your body and joints. It also eases back pain and aches associated with later pregnancy.
Water aerobics ease muscle and joint pain, while providing a good foundation for a low-impact workout.
If you’re just starting out getting some exercise during your pregnancy, you may find that walking is a good place to begin. It gets your heart rate up without excess wear on your muscles and joints.
This type of exercise is low-impact and is good for your back and joints. It’s a much safer choice than riding a road or mountain, which could result in a fall and injure your baby.
Prenatal yoga and Pilates are effective low-impact ways to keep your body in shape as your baby grows. Be sure your instructor knows that you’re expecting, because some of the poses aren’t safe for pregnant women.
You may also participate in low-impact forms of aerobics and light strength training. During the third trimester, listen to your body and consult with Dr. Roberts before starting any exercise routine.
If any of these exercises causes pain or other discomfort, stop what you’re doing and contact our office. Although it may be nothing serious, you can never be too safe during the last few months of your pregnancy.
Many types of low-impact exercises are safe during your entire pregnancy. But there are some types of activities you should avoid, no matter what trimester you’re in. These include:
During your second and third trimesters, don’t do any exercise that requires you to lie flat on your back. This position puts too much pressure on your large vessels, limiting the blood supply to both you and your baby.
Also, avoid any sport or exercise that could result in a blow to your belly. This may significantly hurt both you and your unborn baby. If your pregnancy is high-risk, discuss your options with Dr. Roberts before exercising.
If you need top-notch prenatal care, don’t hesitate to call our office in Plano, Texas, or book an appointment through this website.
