Oh BABY! | 33 Exercise During Pregnancy - Myth Broken It is a myth that exercising during pregnancy can be harmful to the unborn as well as the mother. In fact, exer- cising during pregnancy is beneficial for both the mother and the child. It reduces physical discomfort, and also reduces stress and labor length. Here’s a list of frequently asked questions with answers about exercise during preg- nancy: Is it safe to do workouts during pregnancy? Working out during pregnancy is not only safe, but healthy if you do not have any complications during the pregnancy period. It is recommended that you consult your doctor or midwives and get their approval. Why is exercise necessary during pregnancy? Research tells us that working out or mild exercise during pregnancy helps in reducing backaches, swelling of ankles, and constipation - some of the most common problems faced by pregnant women. In addition, exercise gives you energy and makes you feel fresh. Does exercise help during pregnancy? The answer is ‘Yes’. Exercising during pregnancy pro- motes muscles, strength, and endurance, thereby, helping the mother to carry the additional weight gained during pregnancy. I do a rigorous workout. Is it safe during pregnancy? According to a study in the American Journal of Ob- stetrics and Gynecology, healthy, well-conditioned women who exercised before pregnancy may continue to do so throughout their pregnancy without compromising their baby’s health or development. Be particularly careful dur- ing the first trimester – don’t overdo. For how long should I exercise? The workout should be approximately 45 minutes long and should include a warm-up, the workout, and a cool down. What precautions do I need to take while exercising during pregnancy, if I have never worked out before? Talk to your doctor or midwife. As long as you have permission to proceed, you can engage yourself in mild exercise, like walking or swimming. Immediately after the birth of my child, what exercises can I do to regain my shape? Make sure you are physically ready before you start with the process of regaining your shape. Once you think you are fit to start with an exercise regimen, begin with stretching and firming exercises, gradually add a second set of exercises. Just remember that you need to follow normal exer- cise safety like, drinking lots of water, stopping immediate- ly if you feel any pain etc. Most importantly, remember to speak to your doctor before starting any exercise regimen. Exercising during Pregnancy helps keep you Healthy