We can consider, and this has already been mentioned, that the period of pregnancy is not the same for all women. Each one has its own particularities and certain circumstances that make them different from one another. Therefore, the way of being and the practices that each mum-to-be chooses are in line with her conditions, lifestyle and the way she wants to spend the nine months of pregnancy.
When we talk about practices during pregnancy, one subject that arises with some controversy is physical exercise. It should be done, it shouldn't be done, it could create problems or it could even be beneficial for the well-being of the pregnant woman. Well, there are many opinions and, in reality, each person has the freedom to choose to do it or not.
However, when we talk about physical exercise during pregnancy, we're not talking about exercises that jeopardise the health and well-being of mother and baby. On the contrary, exercise should always be adapted to each person's conditions, especially when we're talking about a pregnant woman.
Nowadays, there are many precautions that prove that this practice is appropriate and will only benefit the health of the mum-to-be and her baby.
That's why we can say that pregnancy and physical activity are possible. There is no obligation to stop our physical activity during this period. The idea is precisely the opposite: it is recommended. However, considering that we are dealing with a period in which the woman will have to take the necessary care, you should pay attention to some precautions and rules.
If one of your favourite activities is going for a walk or a long bike ride, we can guarantee that you can continue to do so if your pregnancy is going well. Exercise done well and with care can become important for weight control, it can be a time to relax, relieve some back pain, keep your muscles active and the possibility of preparing for labour.
However, if the pregnancy is considered "risky", the doctor may advise you to stop exercising. So it's always important to consult your doctor to see if exercise can be part of your routine, to give advice and the best way to put it into practice.
So what kind of physical activity is recommended during pregnancy? It depends on the type of sport, the phase we're at in our pregnancy and even whether we can do it considering our condition.
We went looking for more information on today's topic. Generally speaking, sports that are high impact, intense and have a risk of trauma and falls will be the first to be considered forbidden during pregnancy - examples such as group sports, cardio fitness, horse riding or skating.
Having mentioned these types of sports, the rest can be practised in moderation. Yes, moderation is the key. You can do a yoga class, gymnastics, swimming or stretching. Mums-to-be can even try a special class for pregnant women, which is also an excellent option.
A good walk should be done at a slower pace and excessive effort should be avoided when you're close to the 5th month of pregnancy. These are details that must be taken into account and, above all, we must know how to listen to our bodies - the moment you start to feel tired, breathless or in pain, you should stop the activity you are doing. The right thing to do is to understand your body and if you feel that your belly is an obstacle, you shouldn't force it and stop.
We went looking for some precautions to take when including physical activity in our pregnancy routine.
- You shouldn't exercise on an empty stomach - always take a snack with you before and after training;
- A preliminary warm-up is necessary and essential before starting and after physical activity;
- It is advisable to choose loose-fitting clothing that allows your skin to breathe - the equipment must be appropriate;
- Drinking water at regular intervals is essential, and this includes during exercise;
- It is not advisable to do physical activity on very hot or humid days;
- If you feel tired or nauseous, you should stop the activity.
What we can take away from today's publication is that everything in pregnancy, we must listen to our body and realise if we feel comfortable doing a particular physical activity. In addition, listening to the advice of our specialist doctor and applying it in our daily lives is fundamental. The key is moderation in all the activities we do.
Physical exercise is great for our wellbeing and health, especially for pregnant women who, if they are able, can enjoy a moment of relaxation and time for themselves.
What about you? Did you include any physical activities during your pregnancy? What was your experience like? We want to know your opinion.