A guest post on exercise during pregnancy ? Just 40 and Pregnant ...

Not everyone, or probably not even anyone, would want to strap a 26.5 pound pack (we weighed it at Russell Pond?after hiking all day; Alex?s pack weighed in at 40 pounds and Lily?s at 36 pounds)?on their back and head out hiking when they are 5 months pregnant. Katie Moore, a stay at home mom from North Carolina, offers some more reasonable ideas for staying fit during pregnancy:

Exercise to Make Childbirth Easier

No woman is ever truly prepared for the physical demands of childbirth. Even moms who have had a baby before need to re-prepare themselves for each birth. The reason for this is every birth is different. Moms who have one child may have a completely different labor and delivery experience the second time around. The best way to help prepare a woman for childbirth, both mentally and physically, is with exercise. Additionally, exercise is a great way for all women to get in shape, live a healthier life, and reduce stress.?

Before a pregnant woman begins any exercise program or routine, she needs to consult with her doctor to find out what exercise activities are safe for her growing bodies. While exercise has many benefits, such as better health, stronger muscles, and the ability to prepare the body for birth. It also comes with its risks. One of the things I remember my doctor telling me was to maintain a heart rate that is at or below 140 beats per minute. This helps to prevent shortness of breath and overheating, both of which are dangerous to any woman; especially those expecting.?

Your doctor is also the best resource to help educate you in areas other than exercise, that relate to you and your baby?s health. Learning about pain management techniques, and options like cord blood banking and immunizations are all things your doctor can educate you on.?

The following exercises were great for me when I was pregnant, but can be used no matter the circumstances.
Safe Exercises

Walking is the safest exercise around. I would walk different places at all different times. Remember to wear the right shoes and the right workout gear. It is possible to get as much walking done as possible.?

Swimming was a great form of exercise. Pregnant women have heavier than usual bodies, which means they are putting more pressure on their joints during exercise. In the water, women are lighter and their joints are not stressed while exercising. Furthermore, swimming was a great way to keep cool and prevent overheating.

Kegel exercises were another great form of exercise while I was expecting. They made birth easier as well as allowed me to have more control over my bladder. Additionally, those who have already given birth can tighten their muscles faster by doing kegels.?

Yoga was a favorite form of exercise! Most of the common yoga poses women do are perfectly safe for pregnant women; however, many yoga centers offer special classes just for expectant moms.?

Biking was another great way to workout. Pregnant women, however, should be extra careful when biking around their neighborhood or local park. As my pregnant body grew, my center of balance began to shift, which made it difficult to maintain my balance on a bike. Falling is dangerous, and it is more likely to occur in the later stages of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman wants to bike for exercise, she should switch to a stationary bike as her body begins to get bigger.?

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With these great exercise tips, you will feel much more energized and ready for delivery. Before you know it, you?ll be taking your new baby home!

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?Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.?

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Source: http://just40andpregnant.bangordailynews.com/2012/08/18/a-guest-post-on-exercise-during-pregnancy/

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