Important Points to Remember
Whilst Exercising
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  • Limit exercise on your back to 2-3 minutes at a time, as supine exercising can reduce blood flow to your baby and to your head (making you feel faint and your baby distressed).
  • Separation of the stomach muscles happens to most pregnant women. Cease abdominal work if separation occurs (learn to check for yourself and safe alternative stomach exercises by keeping up-to-date with this Website).
  • Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. If these muscles are strong they will recover more quickly after the birth of your baby.
  • Correct posture is very important not only during pregnancy and after, but all through your life. Exercising helps to minimize postural changes and lower back pain.
  • Stretch very gently as the hormones 'relaxin', which are produced in the body as early as 2 weeks into your pregnancy softens the ligaments and tendons. This puts your joints at a greater risk of injury if not treated with extreme care. KEEP TO MAINTENANCE STRETCHES 6-10 SECONDS EACH STRETCH.
  • An appropriate and adequate diet is very important during and after pregnancy. It is also extremely important if you are exercising as blood sugar levels drop more rapidly and you will be using lots of extra energy. Therefore eat small meals regularly throughout the day.