Maintain your regular daily physical activity or exercise (dancing, running, sport, yoga, or even just strolling to and from the stores) for as long as you feel okay. Most importantly, your baby won't be harmed by these exercises.
There is also some evidence suggesting that women who are active are less likely to have problems with their later pregnancies and labours.
Nevertheless, a few of the best exercises include –
1. Yoga
People can gently relax and enhance their bodies by practising yoga. This is because it promotes mindfulness practises like controlled relaxation and meditation, both of which can be highly beneficial during labour.
Pregnant women can take yoga courses at several studios. Yoga beginners might consider going to one 30-minute class each week. But, those who regularly practise yoga during early pregnancy can frequently keep up their regular schedule.
However, if there are any specific motions, like lying on one's back, that you should avoid, it is better to consult a doctor.
2. Walking and Jogging
Walking is one of the gentlest, lowest impact kinds of exercise, making it perfect as one of the exercises during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, would-be mothers must remember that it should be done on a flat, even surface.
Additionally, walking with the arms swinging in a serene, natural environment rhythmically can cause a little rise in heart rate and can also aid in promoting relaxation and well-being.
Someone who is not used to walking could start by going for a few 10-minute walks each week. With time you can progressively increase the number of 30-minute walks from three to five times per week throughout the first trimester.
Above all, anyone who jogs or walks for an extended period of time should be sure to wear supportive, well-fitting footwear.
3. Low-intensity Weight Training
It is typically safe to engage in relatively light weightlifting throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.
Individuals can better control their weight and increase their general strength by using weights and free weights. Moreover, a stronger core can also aid in increasing stability and lowering the chance of falling.
It should be noted that weights should always be kept in a secure location to protect the foetus. Also, to be on the safe side, mothers can talk to their doctors about this and their intensity before doing exercises.
4. Kegels
Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises, focus on strengthening the muscles that support the uterus, vulva, intestine, bladder, etc.
These exercises can also lower the risk of haemorrhoids while maintaining bladder control. To perform this, squeeze the kegel muscles while holding the contraction for five to ten seconds before relaxing. Also, try avoiding engaging any nearby muscles, such as the abs, legs, or glutes.
5. Pilates
Pilates helps enhance balance and core strength, which may lower the chance of falling. Additionally, it can reduce lower back pain caused by weight increase, particularly in front of the body.
People new to pilates can begin by doing a few sessions per week that last between 5 and 10 minutes each. With time, they can then progress to taking part in sessions that run between 30 and 60 minutes. Additionally, people who are used to pilates throughout pregnancy can frequently continue their regular routines during the first trimester.
Also, if there are any specific motions that you think you should avoid, consult a doctor.
6. Swimming and Water Aerobics
Low impact activities like swimming and water aerobics can help maintain the body fit and provide no fall risk. A person's regular activity is most likely to be safe during the first trimester of pregnancy if they are used to swimming or performing water aerobics.
If you wish to start swimming, you can start off by enrolling in two or three 30-minute lessons per week. However, once you gain greater self-assurance, you could attend 30-minute sessions once a week or as frequently as it feels comfortable to you.
7. Spin Classes or Cycling With a Stationary Bike
Due to the possibility of falling and getting hurt, off-road riding, such as mountain biking, is not really a recommended activity for pregnant women.
Spin programmes, stationary bikes, and flat cycling roads are all safe options with substantially fewer dangers. You can try riding for 10 to 15 minutes at a time if you're new to the stationary cycle. If you are comfortable, you could increase the sessions to 30 to 60 minutes.
8. Dancing
A safe and enjoyable form of exercise for pregnant women is undoubtedly dancing. Most importantly, it keeps you flexible and works your heart, lungs, and muscles while keeping you active. As dancing is an aerobic activity, it can count toward the 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week that experts recommend for pregnant women.
Salsa, ballroom dancing, samba, and jazz dancing are all beneficial for staying in shape, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. However, they can get harder later.
Normal dancing is usually safe as an exercise during the first trimester if everything is going well with your pregnancy and you feel up to it. Individuals should note that when you are pregnant, you should not perform hip-hop, urban, or street dance since some of the movements could make you more likely to trip and fall.