Exercising while expecting a baby is often a tricky topic. Some women refuse to exercise, others continue with it as if nothing had changed in their lives. However, pregnancy is the perfect time to get into shape and an adequate exercise routine helps you keep your body healthy and gets you ready for labor! Artificial sweeteners, like saccharin and aspartame, are a lot sweeter than regular table sugar and over time can make us less sensitive to their effects.
You can safely play any type of sport during pregnancy – just check with your doctor first.
Experts from all over the world think it’s possible and not only necessary, but should be done for both theoretical and practical reasons. If there are no indications of contraindications, regular low-intensity exercise reduces the risk of developing many chronic diseases and complications during childbirth. Training is a great way to prevent all of these complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and the need for vacuum aspiration during childbirth. Plus it’s an excellent way to keep your muscles strong and increase the strength of contractions.
In active mothers, children often experience a good indicator of heart rate variability and a mature nervous system. This advantage often manifests in early development and greater stability.
A pregnancy can cause major changes to a woman’s health when playing sports. Some pregnancies, in particular, may lead to complications that should be addressed before getting back into a rigorous workout routine. With the added weight, 60% of expectant women experience back pain, so you should avoid large movements which puts more stress on your spinal cord. Instead, focus on strengthening your back muscles to minimize any physical strain.
Additionally, if your workout area is poorly ventilated and that you are refusing water during your workout, this can lead to overheating and dehydration. This is a natural mechanism that pregnant women are not able to employ when they get overheated.
To make a decision about sports activities and the type of training you do, you should consult with your gynecologist before you start. They’ll carry out the required medical tests and give the go-ahead if they don’t think doing what you’re doing poses any danger to your reproductive health. When deciding which training courses to sign up for, ask your trainer which duration of pregnancy programs would be appropriate given the time you can commit.
What are the best sports to do in my doctor’s recommendation?
These are the most dangerous periods during pregnancy and usually occur during the 13-week mark. Avoid going out of your way to master a new sport and it is best that you avoid new challenges, despite your urge to do so. When looking for workouts, it’s best to think about the activities that suit your needs. Some options include walking, engaging in swimming at what is described as a “slow pace,” and practicing breathing exercises. When thinking about physical activity goals, you should also look into performing Pilates in a gentle way with some adapted exercises included.
The second trimester is a safer time for sports during pregnancy. This is typically 13-15 weeks into the pregnancy, and many women will have already been experiencing reduced toxisis and improved overall well-being. Just like adults, pregnant women need to exercise in order to avoid complications during and after pregnancy. Group workouts & classes are a great way for you to do cardio, or other exercises. It’s best to do 30-45 minutes of hard exercise 5 times a week. So, bring snacks with you to class. Stop whenever you are uncomfortable or if it does not go away. If one of these things happens, go see a doctor as soon as possible.
During your third trimester, you should slowly cut back on physical activity. The fetus is growing a lot and has to carry its weight. Working on exercises specifically designed for childbirth, as they will improve such things as blood circulation and help you prepare for this event. They can also lower the risk of preeclampsia. Pregnant women should avoid movements, heavy lifting and any activity that exerts a high amount of pressure in the third trimester.
Is it possible to combine pregnancy and professional sports?
When it comes to the health of a female athlete, there’s no need to stop doing what she is otherwise accustomed to. A recent study shows that overall in most cases, limits on activity can be eliminated unless there are specific background factors. Kari Be, a professor at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, believes that they do not harm either the expectant mother or the child if the doctors have no concerns about this from a health perspective. Yes, and there are many examples of professional athletes still performing at the top of their game even during pregnancy. Tennis player Serena Williams won the Grand Slam in 2017 for example and was pregnant throughout. Alicia Montaño, who was eight months pregnant at the time, placed third in the 800m race at the 2014 US Nationals. These are not the only players who have been performing weight training at a young age. Other prominent players, such as Alex Morgan, have been working out since 9 months of age as well. One opinion is that pregnancy is a form of doping. It’s true that the level or androgens goes up 4 times when pregnant, for instance runners who utilize high mileage training. While some may say this ensures that the level of these hormones is similar to that of injections, it also raises the levels of progesterone which can contribute to drowsiness and lethargy. But, if the athlete was doping with toxic substances, then it is even harder to dismiss.
Therefore, this confirms the common belief that becoming pregnant is not a disease. But make sure you don’t forget to give your body more attention during this important time of your life, and work with specialists who are qualified in child care. But doctors always warn that continuing the same activity “in any case” will increase the risks of losing a child and may even cause pregnancy complications. This can lead to constant monitoring after the competition. You’re still able to compete, but these will not count as records.
Pregnancy can be challenging and it is important to stay active. However, some activities are discouraged during pregnancy. Non-weight bearing exercises are always encouraged & these things might improve your mood while pregnant.