Although it can be difficult, doctors and specialists say that exercising during the third trimester of pregnancy can have a wide range of health benefits for both mother and baby. In order to advise our readers, the team here at The Healthy Living and Fitness have decided to go over a few top tips about exercising in late pregnancy. With this said, it is important that any physical activity is carried out safely under the supervision of a medical professional. Read on to find out more…
Safe Exercises
There are many different ways that expectant mothers can keep fit. In fact, walking is the most effective form of exercise during pregnancy because it delivers results without putting the baby or mother in danger. In addition to this, swimming can be very beneficial because we often feel lighter in the water and this can help reduce aches and pain whilst allowing the mother to exercise gently. Finally, other low impact sports that are perfect for pregnant women include yoga, pilates and cycling because they target all the major muscle group without being too intense.
Exercises to Avoid
Although there are a wide variety of pregnancy-friendly exercises, there are also some that pregnant women should avoid in order to stay safe. After all, the third trimester of pregnancy isn’t the right time to start a vigorous running regime. In addition to this, a pregnant woman should also avoid exercises that involve jumping, hopping, skipping and bouncing because they can put a lot of strain on joints that are likely already sore.
Benefits
Exercising during late pregnancy can have a wide range of benefits for expectant mothers as long as they stick to low impact routines. For example, regular exercise can help the mother improve her cardiovascular health, reduce her blood pressure and even increase her muscle strength in preparation for delivery. In fact, the ‘eating for two’ myth means that many women put weight on during pregnancy so exercising also has the benefit of maintaining a healthy weight when it is done correctly and safely.
The third trimester of pregnancy can be uncomfortable, especially for first-time parents who have never experienced it before, which is why many experts recommend light exercise in order to keep moving. With this said, the team here at The Healthy living and Fitness recommend that every mother in late pregnancy consult with their doctor before starting a new exercise regime. To find out more information, get in contact with a member of the team today!