Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Healthy Habits - Exercising While Pregnant: Tips from Hackensack University Medical Center

 I had a chance to ask some follow up questions after my exercising while pregnant post - here is a little additional information about exercising while pregnant!

Information from Caitin Gartley, Hackensack Meridian Health School of Medicine Student who is currently collaborating with Dr. Oladipo on a multifaceted research project focused on increasing patient awareness of the benefits of exercise in pregnancy. 

If someone hasn't been very active before pregnancy, are there ways they can still incorporate light activity?

If an individual was not very active before pregnancy, then during pregnancy is a great time to begin. It would be best to start slowly through stretching, low intensity yoga, or by walking. Examples of exercises one can perform during pregnancy are squats, pelvic tilts, and kegels. Kegels are excellent during pregnancy as they strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to ease labor and to prevent incontinence.


How can mothers learn to listen to their changing body's needs?

There are many physiological effects that occur during pregnancy. Naturally one may tire easily as her blood, nutrients, and oxygen supply is shared with the baby. Therefore it wouldn’t be unexpected to feel more short of breath, fatigued, sore, dehydrated, or to have more feet swelling than usual while pregnant. Therefore, it is essential to take it easy on yourself and listen to what your body needs. If you have some discomfort in your back or knees, it may be helpful to start incorporating light stretches into your daily routine. Conversely, if you notice you feel more fatigued or short of breath during exertion, it might be best to slow down and rest for a while. The key is to stay in tune with your body and strive to maintain a balance.

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