During pregnancy, exercise works wonder for both you and your baby. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), exercising during pregnancy can lead to a lower incidence of preterm birth, cesarean birth, excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes , preeclampsia and lower birth weight. It is also an excellent way to maintain physical fitness, reduce stress, manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduce lower back pain and improve postpartum recovery.
What are the best exercises I can do while I am pregnant? I prefer strength workouts which help maintain and build my muscles. Stronger and more flexible muscles, in turn, help me to bear the weight I gain throughout my pregnancy and protect my joints from injuries as my ligaments relax. As long as you get your practitioner’s green light to work out, here are some strengthening exercises I do :
Although staying physically active during pregnancy is beneficial for both mom and baby, make sure mommies also listen to your body and stop if you feel any discomfort or pain. And as always, talk with your practitioner if you have any questions or concerns about how your body is responding to your exercise routine.
Safety tips for exercises while pregnant : drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise, wear supportive clothing , avoid contact sports and hot yoga, don’t become overheated (especially during the first trimester) and avoid lying flat on your back for too long during the third trimester. Here are 4 simple pregnancy exercises I did for my second trimester :
Check out my Ig stories for my entire pregnancy workout routine here.
A pregnancy personal trainer is a great aide, Mia from UNIFIT Gym is an educated and highly capable fitness expert who keeps me on track and help me achieve my optimum fitness levels while pregnant. Cultivate a pregnancy fitness plan with UNIFIT Gym for a healthier pregnancy and a more robust and active postpartum experience.