There are many benefits of prenatal and post-natal exercise: maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight, increased energy levels, faster recovery from labour, and quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight and shape.
During pregnancy women can participate in regular, mild to moderate exercise. You should discuss this with your health practitioner. When I was pregnant with my twins, my obstetrician advised that I was a ‘high risk’ pregnancy, but I was able to continue walking and swimming. By my third trimester I was finding walking difficult and preferred swimming, as it took the load off my body. Other exercises include low-impact yoga and pilates, which strengthen the pelvic region. There are also special exercise classes locally for pregnant women. You need to drink plenty of fluids while exercising. Don’t overheat your body. Avoid contact sports and activities that cause jarring, like jogging. If you have any bleeding or pain, stop immediately and follow-up with medical attention.
After birth, discuss exercise at your 6-week follow-up appointment. An exercise physiologist or physiotherapist can design an exercise routine specifically for you. To find out more on this topic and CABOOLTURES mums & little ones, visit www.mumsandlittleones.com call 0402 791 315, or email caboolture@mumsandlittleones.com.
CABOOLTURE mums & little ones
happy healthy families
Merendi Leverett-Bowler
Mother of Two and Exercise Physiologist
As published in CabooltureNews 13/02/2008