Most pregnant women can, and should, exercise when pregnant, even if they are not used to doing so. This is because the body needs to prepare for labour and delivery of the baby. Low impact exercises are much safer than other types of exercise. Swimming, bicycling, and walking are all excellent types of exercising. Swimming is not something many people can do several times a week any time of the year, and walking is an exercise that can be done anywhere, at any time. Bicycling, however, if done on an exercise bike, can be done any time, during any season, and also while at home. Exercise bikes are fairly inexpensive and can also be bought second-hand if need be.
When you are pregnant, your body will go through many different changes. Pregnancy is temporary, not a disease, and your activities should reflect this. Your doctor will educate you on what changes to your body are expected, what is not expected, but still falls within normal limits, and what you should call the office for.
Why Using an Exercise Bike During Your Pregnancy is Beneficial
Using an exercise bike helps strengthen several different muscles, particularly in the pelvic region and your legs. The pelvic muscles are very important during pregnancy and labour, as they are used to help support the baby. During delivery, they are also used, along with your stomach muscles, to push the baby out. If these muscles are weak, your labour and delivery can be more difficult than it needs to be. The back muscles are also given a light workout when an exercise bike is used, but not as much so as when a regular bike is ridden. This is because you are not required to keep the bike balanced when using an exercise bike. This also makes it a lot safer to use.
Exercise Routines for Pregnant Women Who Don’t Usually Exercise
Pregnancy is a time when many women, sometimes because of the advice they receive from their significant others, decide they should take it easy and not do anything at all, often times with the reasoning that they could hurt themselves or the baby. The problem with this is that the changes pregnancy brings, as well as labour when it is time to deliver the baby, require additional muscles than what everyday activities require.
Beginning to exercise may seem like something you don’t want to bother with, but it is very important, and if you do start to exercise when you are pregnant, you’ll thank yourself later during labour and delivery. Many women place theirs where they can watch TV. This way, you don’t feel like you are exercising, and you always have a great seat from which to watch your favourite programs. Doing this will also help you get your exercising done, and will also let you know when you should stop and get off the exercise bike. A half hour program a few times a week is a good choice. Never overdo things, and always stop well before you are tired.
Exercise Routines for Pregnant Women Who Already Have an Exercise Routine
If you are used to exercising and are now pregnant, most doctors recommend eliminating high-impact exercises, including diving, skiing and horseback riding. The exercise routine you are used to doing should be discussed in full with your doctor when you first learn you are pregnant.
If you are used to skiing or other kinds of exercise that may be harmful to your baby, using an exercise bike instead, while much slower and mundane, will certainly be much safer. Your previous routine can be resumed after you’ve had your baby and are no longer pregnant. The same is true for high-impact exercise and contact sports. Both types are also something that should be avoided while you are pregnant.
Some Reasons Why Doctors Might Warn Against a Patient Engaging in Exercise
Using an exercise bike is safe for all pregnant women, except when there are certain health conditions present. These include having had a premature baby or a miscarriage in the past, anaemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, joint, muscle, cardiac or pulmonary problems, if you are extremely overweight or underweight, if your baby is very small, or if you are having more than one baby. If your situation is described by any of these, then you should discuss exercise of any kind with your doctor before you begin, even if you have exercised in the past and feel it would be safe to do.
Warning Signs that You Should Call Your Doctor for
If you experience any pain or soreness, you should call your doctor’s office and get advice as soon as possible. Don’t ignore your body’s warning signs. Stop exercising immediately and call your doctor if you experience chest, knee, hip or stomach pain, dizziness or faintness, shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding, difficulty walking or standing, or contractions.
Sources
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a758/pregnancy-exercise-guide
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/toprecommendedexercises.html