Find out if it is safe to do cardio when you’re pregnant

Darielle Britto | Aug 18, 2019, 09:33 IST
Pregnant women tend to be extremely careful with how they treat their body while carrying their precious cargo. One big question for many, especially fitness fanatics, is whether or not it is safe to do cardio during pregnancy.

According to one expert Rosie Stockley, a fitness professional and founder of Mamawell, the answer is yes. ”Always make sure you take note of how your body is feeling before and during exercise, keep hydrated and take regular breaks,” Stockley told a news portal. Adding, “Cardiovascular exercise that safely raises the heartbeat contributes to general health, promotes better sleep, can reduce the possibility of gestational diabetes, can reduce constipation and help with aches such as back and leg pain.”

She further explained: “The NHS states: ‘Exercise is not dangerous for your baby – there is some evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour.’ Even more reason for us to be keeping our energy levels up and making time for some exercise. The NHS recommends starting gently and Increase this gradually to at least four 30-minute sessions a week.”

However, there is a general rule that the heart rate should not exceed140BPM. “If you exercised regularly before pregnancy, there’s no need to focus on your heart rate for exercise during pregnancy,” Stockley told a news portal. Adding, “When pregnant, your resting heart rate (RHR) is raised, therefore likely to be higher during exercise, so the heart rate monitors on cardio machines do not provide an accurate reading of intensity.”

However, while it may be safe for most women to do cardio while pregnant, it is better to seek advice from your doctor to know if this is right for you before you try it. “If you work out in the gym, it is worth taking some advice from a professional on what to avoid, particularly after 16 weeks,” Stockley told a news portal. Adding,” There are so many exercises you can still do, so you just have to find the ones that feel great on you and your body and give you a safe and energising workout.”
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