Types of physical activities
Precautions for pregnancy
Activities to be avoided
Part of enjoying good health during pregnancy is including some regular physical activity into your lifestyle. This not only benefits your physical and emotional well-being, but if you can maintain it into late pregnancy (and resume it after the birth) it will support you while parenting and contribute to your long-term health.
If everything is going normally you can exercise at any time during your pregnancy. However, there may be some phases that physical activity becomes difficult (or needs to be modified). Many women feel tired or nauseated during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, making it hard to feel motivated to want to exercise. If this is the case, then just take it easy for a while. Most caregivers will advise women to "follow their body" at this time by slowing down, resting and only doing what they feel like. You may wish to look at some
relaxation or
visualisation suggestions in the meantime.
After about 12 to 16 weeks most women will begin to feel physically better, healthier and stronger within themselves, with increased energy that often makes them feel more inclined to resume (or begin) some physical activity. This phase of "well-being" can continue for several months. However, usually by about 32 to 34 weeks of the pregnancy the baby and your belly become quite large and often you tire much more readily. This may mean modifying (or slowing down) certain physical activities until after the birth.
The advantages of having regular, physical activity during pregnancy can include: