Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
When you’re thinking about having a baby, you should know that it requires some sacrifice on your and your partner’s side. You should give up smoking, alcohol, and coffee; you should change your diet and start eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, but you should also start preparing your body for the great task: actually carrying a baby for nine months. We give you a brief list of fitness tips: exercises which will help you get fit, but we will also some you should avoid.
In This Post:
Don’t focus on losing weight
Women tend to make a simple mistake: they try hard to lose weight before they get pregnant because they know that they will gain at least 15 pounds during pregnancy, and they want to look great as long as they can. Losing weight may be tempting, but you should definitely avoid diets and rigorous exercise. In months before pregnancy, you should focus on your health rather than on the numbers on the scale, so forget all about fad diets and gimmicky exercise routine. Nourish your body, take your folic acid, start a well-rounded diet and never cut your calories dramatically.
Start an exercise program on time
You should start your pre-pregnancy workout program at least three months before pregnancy. This is because in the first two months your body will start adjusting to the new regime and you will start feeling benefits and positive changes which exercise brings. You will feel energized and you will have more muscles and become stronger. The third month is there to solidify this healthy habit – as working out should become a habit and a routine in order to get to most out of it. Make sure you go to the gym (or workout at home) at least two times a week.
Don’t insist on keeping up your old regime
There are women who work out vigorously before pregnancy, and they believe that there shouldn’t be any change in their workout routine after they get pregnant. Sadly, this isn’t the case: you should definitely change your workout regime, especially if you engaged in some strenuous workout prior to pregnancy. Think long-term: what activity will you be able to keep up after you get pregnant? Keep in mind that your girth will change with time, and that you will have reduced balance as well as increased need to protect the fetus from any impact. As the pregnancy progresses, your tolerance for impact will also be reduced so it’s best you choose some mild cardio activities such as swimming, walking, or water aerobics.
Get some new workout gear
Let’s face it, your body will change significantly, and this means that you should get your hands on some new gear which will make you feel comfortable and safe while you’re working out. Luckily, stores specialized in activewear for women will have things you need such as bigger sports bras to make sure your bigger breasts don’t bother you while you’re working out, and some comfy leggings or sweats with elastic belt which you will be able to wear even after your stomach gets bigger. When buying tops, get the shirt that’s long enough to cover your belly and still go on, and pick the one with soft, stretchy fabric, as this will be something you will be able to wear after delivery too.
Don’t forget about cardio
You might not be a fan of cardio (let’s face it, very few people are), but half an hour of gentle cardio every day will do wonders for your health. Your don’t have to go out for a run every morning if that isn’t something you would like, but power walking or cycling are great ways to get your heart rate up and get in shape. Not only that, but cardio improves your mood, so you will feel better and have better mental health through your pregnancy as well as during delivery.Remember, it’s wonderful to be in shape before you get pregnant, as it will make you feel energetic and help you stay healthy. Before you decide to adopt certain exercises and habits and kick out the others, you should talk to your doctor and gynecologist, as their opinion on this matter is rather important. After all, your health and the health of your baby should be your number one priority.