Pregnant- COVID-19: 5 easy at-home exercises for pregnant women
Exercises pregnant women must do
Staying at home during the lockdown can be hard. But it doesn't mean you simply sit around and restrict your physical activity. This includes pregnant mamas-to-be as well.
Pregnant women come in the high-risk category and must always exercise precaution before stepping out of the home during these crisis fuelled days. However, that doesn't mean you totally limit your physical movement. Yes, it's good to be cautious, but at the same time, pregnant women should also prioritize on staying fit and active through the trimester even if that means working out inside your home. Plus, working out at your home can also grant you privacy and comfort which you might need.
Here are 5 exercises you can try to stay fit and active
Kegels
Not only are Kegels recommended for women of all ages, but it can also especially be helpful for pregnant women. If you are in the second trimester, do try this exercise out which involves squeezing and relaxing the muscles around your genitals. It promotes pelvic health and also helps you prepare for labour and delivery.
Doing up to 5 sets of Kegels every day can also prevent the problem of faecal incontinence which can be commonly experienced during pregnancy.
Relaxed Belly Breathing
This deep breathing exercise works like a meditative exercise as you grow along with the little one resting in your belly. Moderating or deliberating the way you breathe can ensure essential oxygen supply and nutrients to the baby, help you stay calm (which is much needed during the crucial last days) and even relax between contractions. Doing this regularly can be quite beneficial.
Weight training exercise
Who said pregnant women can't lift weights? Moms-to-be can gain benefits from simple weight training exercises that can be done at home. Some stretches and weight engaging exercises can lower back pain, build stamina and endurance needed during pregnancy and best of all, fight off chances of excess weight gain.
Any free weight regimes or exercises which use your body weight can be easily done at home.
Cat cow pose
The classic yoga pose is one of the favourites of many pregnant women and comes backed with several benefits. From enhanced mobility, strengthening the lower back and abdomen, regular practice of the cat-cow pose can also encourage the body to gradually adapt an easy and ideal birth position. Plus, it can be done anywhere- be it the bed or the floor.
A word of advice
Staying active pre and post pregnancy is a wonderful thing. However, it's advised that you keep your doctor in the loop before going ahead with any kind of activity. If you have any chronic history or problem, proceed with caution.
Apart from that, maintain a proper schedule and workout in a proper spacious where so that there are lesser chances of any accidents or injuries taking place. Go easy and stop when you feel tense. Do not exert yourself too much.