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Most
experts agree that women who exercise during pregnancy feel better,
look nicer, and get back in to shape after their delivery than women
who do not exercise.
Exercising during pregnancy is necessary for a previously healthy
person. If you were following an exercise program before you became
pregnant, chances are your doctor will let you continue it, but
probably in a modified, less vigorous form. Exercises benefit both
mother and baby. It can strengthen muscles, lower your heart rate,
improve blood circulation, reduce fatigue and helps you to sleep
better. There are many different types of exercise that can be beneficial.
Ask your doctor for specific recommendations.
Basic
Rules
Consult
your Doctor before you start an exercise program.
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Wear
loose comfortable clothing, a support bra and proper flat or
low-heeled shoes.
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Include
warm-up and cool-down exercises.
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Start
slowly and gradually increase the intensity of exercises.
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Stop
exercising when fatigued and don’t exercise to exhaustion.
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Stop
if you feel any pain, light headed, breathless, or faint.
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Don’t
exercise in supine position (flat on your back), after the 1st
trimester because pressure from your heavy uterus on the major
blood vessels can diminish blood flow to your heart and to the
placenta.
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A
sudden change in position can also make you feel giddy, so be
careful.
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Because
of the enlargement of your uterus and breasts, your physical
centre of gravity changes. So don’t do exercises, which require
balancing, especially in the third trimester. Also wear low-heeled
or flat footwear.
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During
pregnancy both basal metabolic rate and heat production increase.
Avoid hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas as these cause overheating.
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Do
mild to moderate exercise routines three days a week.
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Drink
enough water (at least 8 glasses).
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You
need an extra 300 Calories over pre-pregnant requirement. While
exercising, be sure to eat enough.
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