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Exercise and Pregnancy
What's OK, what to avoid
by Tracey Mallett |
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I would steer away from classes that have high-impact moves or modify the routine, keeping both feet on the floor. A good fitness instructor will always cue this for people with knee and back issues.
Hot yoga is not recommended, due to the excessive heat which can cause harm to the fetus and can increase blood pressure.
Mat Pilates is really only appropriate when it’s completely modified. Most of a typical mat class is lying on the back, which is not advisable for the second and third trimester exerciser, as it can decrease the blood flow to the uterus. Mat Pilates is fine for first trimester if you have been practicing Pilates consistently before conceiving. After that time, look for a prenatal Pilates class or do a Pilates Pregnancy DVD at home.
As you move toward the end of your pregnancy, the level of intensity and duration should be reduced as not to cause injury to the body with the extra weight of the baby and strain this may place on your joints and ligaments.
Avoid balance activities such as lunges, single-leg squats and exercises on the big Swiss ball. Excessive rotation of the torso can place strain on the fetus. Stay away from doing classic abdominal crunches as this may cause a diastisis recti -- the separation of the abdominal muscles.
When taking Yoga or stretching, it’s important to remember that your joints and tissue will be loose during pregnancy because pregnancy hormones (relaxin), which help the uterus expand, also affect all of the body's connective tissue in the process. This is not the time to push your body to new found flexibility. You should instead work in a safe, comfortable range, maintaining good range of motion.
Unless the doctor has specifically cautioned you not to exercise due to an existing medical condition, you are free to continue with your exercise program. Research has supported that babies are leaner and healthier because their moms took part in a regular exercise program during pregnancy.
If you start to feel dizzy, light-headed, onset of headache, nausea, vision changes, extreme fatigue or shortness of breath, then exercise should be terminated.
Your body will tell you all you need to know. Get familiar with your new body and listen carefully.
Enjoy your fit pregnancy.








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