Exercising During Pregnancy – Jogging
Exercise is great during pregnancy; it helps keep a check on pregnancy weight gain, prevents backaches, constipation and pregnancy-induced hypertensions. Hence, pregnancy induces a new fitness regime in the lives of most women. Jogging or running could be included if done in a limited manner and if you have previously tuned your body to this form of exercise. This could be done in the first two trimesters of pregnancy; power walking is a better bet during the final trimester. In the beginning of pregnancy you might be short of breath very early into the run – that’s perfectly fine. Towards the end of the first trimester, the breathing will become easier, and then towards the end of your 2nd trimester you may find yourself short of breath again as your uterus grows upward and constricts your diaphragm.
Being comfortable is key; do first check with your doctor and bear in mind the following sidekicks. The first trimester is when the baby’s major organs are forming, and overheating is a real issue. If a woman’s core temperature gets too high, it could cause problems with the baby. Your center of gravity is shifting as your belly grows, leaving you more vulnerable to slips and falls. Jogging excessively can be hard on your knees. Moreover; during pregnancy, joints loosen, which makes you more prone to injury. Intense jogging could also induce vaginal bleeding, cramping, dehydration, excessive nausea, lightheadedness, or extreme headaches. So unless you are an avid experienced runner, you should probably steer clear of this form of workout during the pregnancy phase.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Beginning To Jog
Before jogging, it’s very important to warm up well for at least five minutes with a fast walk. It’s advisable to gently stretch the muscles of your lower body before and after each run to help prevent injury and muscle soreness. Dressing right is also very important. Be sure to wear breathable clothing that isn’t too tight and footwear that fits properly and offers enough support. It is very common for a pregnant woman’s foot to “grow” a half size over the course of her pregnancy. If your running shoes get too tight, invest in a new, larger, pair.
Also, be very aware of the conditions of your jogging course. While jogging outdoors, don’t run during the hottest times of the day. As your center of gravity moves upward, be aware of the possibility of losing balance and avoid running in areas with lots of obstacles. Make sure you are well hydrated before, during, and after each workout to keep your core temperature within a safe range and to keep your baby cool.
A healthy body sure can give rise to a healthy mind and a healthy baby but do bear the caveats in mind.
