Exercises For Pregnant Women

Exercising during pregnancy has a lot of benefits, you'll gain less weight and so it will be easier for you to lose it after you give birth, it lowers the risk of gestational diabetes, reduces aches, pains and swellings and staying active during pregnancy can also increase your chances of having a good birth experience but check with your doctor before you start any exercise regime.

1. Brisk walking

I don't advice running as you may get tired quickly, also, if you aren't very careful you might fall and you know what a bad fall can lead to. Brisk walking (walking fast) however will help strengthen your muscles and you can do it right until you are ready to give birth to your baby. Start by walking a short distance for a start then gradually increase the distance you walk, the time and your speed as you get stronger.

2. Indoor cycling

Get a stationary bike, it's safer and you can use it in the comfort of your house, cycling is actually one of the best exercises for your heart, especially for your legs. Swelling and heavy legs aren't your portion during pregnancy if you cycle often.

3. Yoga

There are different yoga exercises for pregnant women, there's one that's rumoured to help change baby's position (breeched baby), but generally yoga will help you stretch your body, reduce aches and pains, relax your muscles and strengthen them as well. But you should avoid hot yoga and any exercise that requires lieing on your back after your first trimester.

4. Swimming

One of the best exercises during pregnancy is swimming, it helps relieve swollen ankles and joints and if you swim regularly during pregnancy, you'll feel very light no matter how big your bump is. This exercise is only for those who know how to swim.

5. Plank

Image result for plank pose for pregnancy

If you've been exercising before you got pregnant, you can engage in this exercise during pregnancy. Go on your hands and knees, with your wrist directly under your shoulders, raise your knees and stretch your legs behind you as you can see in the picture above. Do not allow your belly sag or bend your body, your body posture should be straight. Be in this position for about some seconds or as long as you can, rest and do it again. Remember not to rest on your tummy while resting.