Excersice during Pregnancy

There are many benefits for women who wish to exercise through their Fit and Healthy Pregnancy!

Exercise can:

· Increase energy levels
· Help prevent feelings of discomfort, clumsiness, and unattractiveness
· Improve circulation, reduce swelling and formation of varicose veins in the lower legs
· Help tone muscles allowing the body to return to its pre-pregnancy state much faster
· Improve posture, so less back ache

The major concerns of training whilst pregnant are:

· Foetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen for the baby)
· Foetal hyperthermia (internal temperature gets too hot)
· Reduced carbohydrate supply to the foetus (baby doesn'tget enough food)

Try to over come a Morning Sickness!.

These should only be concerns if the mother does not exercise intelligently. Ask your doctor for further information when obtaining your medical clearance.

Guidelines:

· Obtain a medical clearance prior to commencement
· Never let your heart rate get over 135 beats per minute for a sustained period. This can vary from person to person but a good rule of thumb is to reduce the intensity if you cannot comfortably hold a conversation with someone whilst exercising.
· Balance will be a problem as you get bigger so always keep both feet on the ground (no jumping, skipping, lunging, stepping, etc).
· Non-weight bearing exercise (eg. Cycling, swimming) is preferable to weight bearing exercise (eg. Jogging).
· Exertion levels should be determined on an individual basis. Someone who has had a long exercise history and a high fitness level will be able to tolerate higher intensities without affecting the foetus.
· Avoid strenuous exertion during the first trimester. If you haven't exercised before, walking is a great way to start.
· Increases in exercise quantity and quality should be very gradual for previously inactive women.
· Avoid exercise or positioning of the individual in the supine (lying on the floor face up) posture, particularly in late gestation (due to decreased cardiac output).
· Avoid exercise in warm/humid environments.
· Drink liquids before and after exercise to avoid dehydration. Wear loose cotton clothing.
· Do not exercise when fatigued, particularly in late gestation. Never exercise to exhaustion.
· Periodic rest intervals may be helpful to minimize hypoxia or heat stress to the foetus.
· Pregnancy requires an increase of 300k/cal per day so if you are exercising you require even more. Ensure you have an adequate diet.

For a Natural Pregnancy!excercise is must.