TheHolisticParent.ORG Exercise During Pregnancy

Exercise

Exercise is an important part of pregnancy. It keeps you healthy. It makes you feel good
and prepares you for birth. This is a time to be strong and fit. Exercise can help with the
aches and pains of pregnancy.

Walking

Walking is one of the best ways to stay fit during pregnancy. You don’t need to overdo it,
but gentle walking everyday can be the perfect exercise. Running is usually too high
impact and puts stress on the joints, but walking can be enjoyable and even relaxing.

Yoga

Yoga comes highly recommended for pregnancy. It stretches your tissues and keeps
you limber. It helps with balance and calms your mind. There are many programs out
there for pregnancy. Don’t do more than your body can handle. Unfortunately, I don’t
have a favorite yoga routine because I didn’t really get into it when I was pregnant. I
would say if possible to try and get used to some basic yoga routines before you are
pregnant or in early pregnancy because as you become more uncomfortable as your
belly grows, it may be hard to do some routines if you aren’t accustomed.

Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise when you are pregnant. It is easier on your joints and the
weightless feeling is a welcome relief. The only problem with swimming is the
chemicals in the water. Some places depending on your area are starting to become
wiser and create pools in a more health conscious way. See if you can find any of these
pools if your area or call around to pools in your area to see how they treat the water.
Ultimately, if you can’t find a pool other than the conventional type, it is probably better to
skip the swimming. The chemicals are not healthy and will have an effect on you even if
you don’t notice it.

Squats

Squats are the king of all exercises. They may be miserable when you do them, but you’
ll feel great afterward. They are important. They help prepare your body for labor. They
help the baby with optimal positioning. Many women find they like to squat to give birth.
It is good to practice squatting beforehand to become accustomed to it and increase
your stamina.

Bouncing on an Exercise Ball

I love this. It helps widen your hips and relax your pelvis. It helps your baby find an
optimal position. It relaxes your body and decreases tension. I loved to do this when I
was in labor, and it never failed in soothing our baby once she was here. Not an
expensive purchase and well worth it.

Kegels

Kegel exercises help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This is important to have
control over your urination. These muscles get stretched out during pregnancy. To find
the correct muscles, stop your urine midstream, that’s what they feel like. Don’t stop
your urine midstream often or this could result in infection, but once isn’t going to hurt
you. I always had trouble finding these muscles, and I hate doing these. My midwife
gave me advice that I could find them better in the knee/chest position. It worked like a
charm. Position yourself on your knees and stick your bottom in the air. Not the most
graceful, but it gets the job done. You’ll be happy that you took the time to do them. Do
them before you deliver and do them after!

Pelvic Rock

A very easy but beneficial exercise. Position yourself on your hands and knees. Arch
your back like a mad cat. Hold for several seconds, then relax back down and sway your
back like a horse. Benefits include strengthening key muscles, relieving back pain,
relaxation, improved digestion, and relieves pressure on the back, blood vessels, and
bladder. Also, helps baby position optimally. If your baby is ever in a position that's
hurting you, getting on your hands and knees will relieve it.

Empowering Parents to Make Holistic Choices For The Benefit of Their Children

Advertise
With Us
Click Here

Calling All
Birth Stories!
Click Here
To Submit
Yours!

Visit our
Book Review
Blog
Click Here

Download
our FREE
GIFT! The
best money
saving tool
ever.
CLICK HERE

The Holistic Parent.ORG