Is it okay to exercise when pregnant?

During pregnancy, our bodies go through so many physical, emotional and hormonal changes. You have to be gentle with yourself and also avoid certain activities because you're literally more fragile.

Throughout this time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle should also be a priority. You still need to eat healthy so you and baby can get adequate nutrients and if you can, be active.

The benefits of exercising are great during pregnancy. It comes through for you if you need a stress reliever, it helps to minimize aches and pains, and it's also good for your cardiovascular health, among other benefits.

So the short answer is yes, it is okay to work out when you're expectant. However, you still need to ensure that you're doing it the right way.

Before you compile your fitness goals and routines, you need to make sure you're following these rules.

Consult your doctor first

First things first, you must consult your doctor if you have a history of pregnancy complications. There is a lot of advice on the internet on the best routines for pregnant women but ultimately, you need to get the best advice from someone who understands certain aspects about your body and health.

If your doctor suggests that you shouldn't exercise then follow their directives. If they allow you do only light workouts, then that's what you should stick to.

Avoid strenuous workouts

We have seen videos of expectant women lifting heavy weights and doing intense workouts online. This might have worked out for them without any major issues but that doesn't mean that you should blindly follow what you see others doing.

The best option to stay safe is to avoid any workout that might overwhelm your body. If you're not sure what to do, focus on easy workouts like taking walks and other low impact exercises.

Follow the right routines for your trimester

As the pregnancy progresses, your body becomes less capable of handling certain movements. What you might have been able to do during the first trimester isn't what you will be able to do during your third trimester, and that is why you should modify as your body changes.

So if you're working out at home, make sure you're searching for videos that are appropriate for your trimester.

Practice moderation

It's great to have fitness goals even when you're pregnant. In fact, you should try and do an activity a few times every week to help you stay fit and to keep the baby healthy.

At the same time, you need to practice moderation so only do what your body can handle and don't force yourself to keep up with everything perfectly.

Know the warning signs

To be safe, you need to know the signs that indicate something is off. Sometimes you can try and do everything right but your body might not always agree.

So if you experience dizziness, pain, vaginal bleeding, headaches or any other unusual sign during your workout, you should stop immediately and get some help.

Also, if you're already feeling winded before your workout, you should probably take a break first. It's always best to listen to your body at all times to ensure you and your baby are safe.