During pregnancy active women often wish to continue with their exercise program. For others, pregnancy signals a time to improve their life style. For these women beginning exercise during pregnancy is desirable. Moderate physical activity has major health benefits. Regular exercise is preferable to intermittent activity. Active Australia recommends that every Australian should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity on, at least, most days of the week (usually interpreted as five sessions per week) (Bauman, 1997).
In the past concerns arose regarding the safety of exercising during pregnancy. It was common for various restrictions to be placed on women exercising in pregnancy. However, as the research evidence grows, these restrictions are lifting and a more personalised approach is being adopted. The emerging picture is that in most cases there is no need for healthy women to change their exercise program during conception and early pregnancy. Some adaptations are required as the pregnancy advances. It is important to note that prior to commencing any exercise program, it is wise to seek the advise of a midwife or doctor. Occasionally there are factors that indicate women should not exercise in pregnancy. When planning an exercise program, it is of great benefit to see a qualified fitness professional. A fitness professional can offer guidelines and a training program to suit the individual woman and her pregnancy (Clapp, 1998).
What are the benefits of exercise during pregnancy?
There are many benefits of exercising during pregnancy that have been identified. Benefits include: increased body awareness, increased endurance, improved posture, helps prevent gestational diabetes, lower physical discomforts associated with pregnancy, increased sense of well being, less fatigue, improved muscle tone, improved body image, active phase of labour is shorter, less forceps and caesarean births and physically fit women recover more quickly after birth (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1994; Clapp, 1998; Sternfeld, 1997).
What guidelines should a pregnant woman follow while exercising?
Stop exercising and consult a midwife or doctor if bleeding, cramping, faintness, dizziness or severe joint pain.
Women should avoid laying flat on their backs after sixteen weeks. As the uterus grows it can compress a major blood vessel when a woman lies flat on her back. This restricts blood flow back to the mother’s heart and subsequently the blood flow to the baby.
It is important to exercise sensibly at a comfortable intensity and do not exercise to exhaustion or at an anaerobic (or breathless) pace.
Avoid overheating. This is particularly important in the first trimester when the baby is most vulnerable to high temperatures. Wear light comfortable clothing, drink plenty of water, avoid exercising in very hot temperatures and do not exercise during illness or fever.
Avoid any sport where there is a risk of abdominal blow eg. down hill skiing, horse riding, contact sports
Avoid holding breath during exercise.
All exercise should be accompanied by an appropriate warm up and cool down session. (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1994; Clapp, 1998; Sternfeld, 1997).
What factors would exclude me from exercising?
Do not exercise if any of the following are present:
Pregnancy induced hypertension
Ruptured membranes
Incompetent cervix
Vaginal bleeding
Interuterine growth retardation
A multiple pregnancy
There are a number of other medical and obstetric conditions that may lead to the need to modify or stop an exercise program. This is why it is wise to consult a midwife or doctor so they can assess the appropriateness of beginning or continuing with an exercise program in pregnancy (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1994).
What types of food should I eat while on an exercise program?
It is ideal for a pregnant women to avoid letting blood sugar levels fall to low levels (this can increase feelings of nausea and dizziness). These easiest way to avoid this happening is by eating small meals often (around every three hours). Foods that help avoid sudden decreases in blood sugar include salad vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grain breads and pasta. Avoid foods that contains carbohydrates (sugars) that are absorbed quickly and can cause blood sugar levels to decrease in as little as an hour after eating them. Foods in this category include refined products such as white bread, most cereals, cakes, biscuits, lollies, chips and most other snack foods. Avoid eating for two hours prior to an exercise session. Have a small snack immediately after an exercise session. If you exercise first thing in the morning, have a liquid snack while exercising then follow this with breakfast after the exercise session has ended (Clapp, 1998).
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http://www.dhaarvi.blogspot.com
2007-03-02 22:39:44
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answer #1
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answered by dhaarvi2002 3
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Being expecting is an exciting time of your lifespan and staying fit when pregnant is very important. Your physique is changing, and quickly you’ll be soon giving birth to an amazing child. Everyone would like to get back to your pre-baby form quicker after giving birth, remaining fit during your pregnancy can help. Working out while you’re pregnant has other benefits as well, like delivery of baby is easier. You will have to adjust your fitness routine when you’re pregnant to make sure you and your child remain safe and fit. Right here are some safe and effective workouts you can do when you’re expecting that will keep you look and feel great.
please follow this link for detailed exercises http://fitnfoodie.com/fitnessblogs/6-ways-stay-fit-during-pregnancy/
2014-05-29 23:57:17
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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It will probably have an adverse effect on your child's development...
Babies start as a single cell and multiply rapidly, so all the days it can develop in a comfortable environment is crucial.
You should probably take it easy for the babies sake... There should be no reason why olympians earn an advantage in being pregnant in their match. It just like lugging another little human with you.
2007-03-02 22:43:33
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answer #3
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answered by AsianGlow 2
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