Pregnant and Fit? Safely Possible!
In this Article
Growing fat during pregnancy is common but gaining weight more than required may lead to health issues later. It’s important to keep yourself healthy and fit during pregnancy. Being in shape is undoubtedly a challenging task during pregnancy, but it’s not impossible.
Ways to Stay Fit during Pregnancy
1. Drink more water
Staying hydrated is highly beneficial for pregnant ladies. It helps prevent complications like cramps, oedema and headaches, as well as making sure that your baby is properly nourished. Try to drink at least 2 litres of water a day. You can have a glass of tepid water in the morning and sip the same or switch to cold water as the day progresses.
2. Exercise
Proper exercise and diet during pregnancy are beneficial for both the child and the mother. However, don’t do workouts that cause discomfort or wear you out too much. If you don’t like conventional exercises, consider walking and hiking. You can jog and even run as long as you watch your heart rate. If you have misgivings, speak to your doctor before doing any exercise.
3. Correct your posture
Performing postural and stretching exercises during pregnancy can help you stand up straighter and keep fit while pregnant. Such exercises also make you feel better and look slimmer, while providing your baby with more room to grow. They reduce pain in the lower back and shoulders and your pelvic floor muscles get a workout.
4. Say NO to junk food
When pregnant, limit yourself to foods that are healthy and help you gain the right type of weight. Items like white bread, cereals, pasta and packaged products have processed carbohydrates in them, which, on entering the body, break down into sugar and increase weight of the unhealthy kind. They also make you retain fluid. If you’re in the mood for a snack, eat a fruit or a handful of nuts instead. Even though they contain sugar and fat, they also have vitamins, fibre and antioxidants.
5. Get the correct nutrition
Opt for low-fat foods that are rich in nutrients to stay in shape while pregnant. Your diet should include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that you can find in dairy products, eggs and good quality meat. You can also get them from olive oil and coconut oil.
6. Get enough rest
It’s the best medicine for anxiety and exhaustion! A good night’s sleep for a minimum of 7 to 8 hours is vital for pregnant women. During this time, your heart works harder to keep blood circulating for you and your child. Your kidneys too work just as hard to expel waste. Add to that the weight of carrying a baby and you really do need to get enough rest.
Staying fit during pregnancy is quite simple. You just need to make a few changes to your lifestyle. A little care taken at this phase of your life will have a long-term impact on your body as well as on your child’s physical and mental growth.
