Sports during pregnancy: the 5 most recommended activities
- Why is it important to do sports during pregnancy?
- Risky activities for pregnant women
- 5 sports recommended during pregnancy
- Sports during pregnancy yes, but in moderation
Why is it important to play sports during pregnancy?
First of all, if you are pregnant and your health is good, there is no need to stop the physical activity you already do, if this is compatible with gestation.
It can be a very pleasant time for you and your baby: as soon as you choose an activity that relaxes you and makes you feel good, you stimulate the endorphins that your baby feels too.
The important thing is to choose a light activity that also serves as a preparation for the breath for childbirth.
Sports in pregnancy: which is better to choose?
Risky activities for pregnant women
Some activities should be avoided, especially if they are violent and expose you to falls or trauma. Even if you are an expert in these disciplines, skiing, horse riding or climbing are strongly discouraged because the risk of falling is too high. Athletics must be stopped after the second month of pregnancy.
As a general rule, combat sports where shocks are frequent should not be practiced. Physical activities that put pressure on the perineum, such as jumping rope, playing tennis, running, etc. should also be avoided.
5 recommended sports during pregnancy
- Walk
For all mothers-to-be, walking is a good way to move. It is a good alternative if you stop an activity incompatible with pregnancy or if you are not athletic. Equip yourself with a good pair of walking sneakers that support your ankles perfectly!
- Swimming
Whether you are a good swimmer or not, swimming or aqua aerobics are the best sports during pregnancy along with walking. In addition to the calming virtues, breathing is improved, which is largely beneficial for preparing for childbirth. It also works the perineum and muscles are strengthened. Choose a swimsuit that fits your tummy so that it is not too tight. However, avoid immersing yourself in water that is too cold, as this will lower the body temperature and therefore the temperature of the fetus. hot.
- Do yoga
It is both a sport and an excellent preparation for childbirth. The benefits are almost identical to those of swimming.
- Do pilates
This sport helps relieve some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy and better control your breathing.
- Go cycling
Contrary to popular belief, nothing prevents cycling during pregnancy, as long as the belly does not take up too much space (at least until the 5th month). Cycling allows you to breathe and also serves to tone the perineum. Better not to exceed the speed to avoid falling. Of course, mountain biking should be banned because it is a little too aggressive. And if you are pregnant during the winter, the remedy is to buy an exercise bike.
Sports during pregnancy, yes, but in moderation
As we have seen, doing sports during pregnancy is allowed as well as highly recommended, the important thing is to know how to control yourself and not to overdo it. Doing an activity, yes, but sparingly. You have to know your limits without trying to do more. Any excess can be dangerous because it can lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) which is certainly not beneficial for the baby.
You also need to check your heart rate: take your pulse for 15 minutes and multiply it by four to get the score in one minute. Know that in an early pregnancy, you will breathe faster and your heart rate will be faster.
In all cases, it is essential to seek the advice of your doctor.
