Many expectant mothers move less and do not do sports because of the concern that it will harm the baby. However, the importance of sports during pregnancy is quite high. Especially in the first 3 months, walking at a light pace strengthens the spine. Pregnancy yoga or pilates is recommended by many experts from the first weeks.
30-minute brisk walking 3 to 5 days a week during pregnancy makes the process much easier. In the 6th to 9th months of pregnancy, exercises are performed in the sitting position, as the abdominal area grows.
Pregnancy-friendly Exercises
Pregnant women who do not have the risk of premature birth can do pilates with appropriate movements. Adapted to the pregnancy process, yoga and pilates prevent back and waist pains, as well as relax the body and purify the soul.
Swimming is recommended in addition to walking, yoga and pilates exercises during the 3 to 6 months of pregnancy. The importance of sports during pregnancy is explained to expectant mothers by many experts.
Especially the exercises done in water are the most preferred sports by expectant mothers. Compared to normal exercises, water exercises distribute the body temperature equally, but this does not cause a change in the baby's body temperature.
Benefits of Sports for the Expectant Mother
The benefits of regular exercises for the mother are as follows;
• Weight control is provided.
• Metabolic rate increases.
• Stamina and strength increase.
• Low back and back pain is minimized.
• Muscle activity, which is important for childbirth, works.
• Constipation is prevented by regulating the digestive system.
• The risk of diabetes during pregnancy is eliminated.
• A comfortable sleep pattern is provided.
• Edema formation is minimized.
• The psychology of the expectant mother will be healthier.
Doctor-Controlled Exercise Program
Sport, which is important for both physical and mental balance, gains more importance during pregnancy. Sports are important during pregnancy, but if there are situations that make sports risky, an exercise program should be applied under the control of a doctor.
Exercising can be dangerous for expectant mothers who have problems such as heart and vascular occlusion, thyroid, kidney, respiratory, diabetes, anemia and high blood pressure, especially the threat of miscarriage and premature birth.
In such cases, after examining the health history of the pregnant woman, an exercise program that eliminates the risk of miscarriage and delivery with limited movements is carried out under the control of a doctor.