Exercise? During pregnancy? Duh! Exercise, period, is good for you!

Exercise during pregnancy has been proven to be safe for many women.

The conditions must be right.

If healthy, consuming a diet high in quality foods and gaining the recommended amount of weight, expectant mothers are encouraged to perform light to moderate exercise up until they give birth.

In comparison, with women who do not exercise during pregnancy, women who do generally have a shorter labour and feel healthier and better about themselves.

If you were exercising prior to pregnancy I would definitely recommend that you continue doing so, although it is very important to remember that hydration, adequate food intake and rest is important for fetal growth.

Listen to your body.

Your doctor will let you know if you are having a safe and healthy pregnancy; an indication that the level of exercise is good for you and your unborn child.

Please consult your doctor before performing any exercise, to confirm.

Many clients have asked specifically about running.

Running is a high-impact sport/exercise.

Whether pregnant or not, a runner’s joints take on a lot of impact and pressure.

Running is also considered a moderate-intense aerobic exercise, taking your heart rate up and causing you to sweat.

Whilst exercise has not been proven to have a negative impact on a woman or her foetus, it is again important to listen to your body.

Hormonal changes in a pregnant woman’s body make the tissues that support your joints more relaxed.Running can cause strain on these joints.

As your pregnancy progresses, however, you may find that running for long periods will be more taxing on your body and you will need to alter your routine.

Be aware of your surroundings to eliminate the risk of falling; watch your heart rate and hydration.

If running becomes too taxing, consider brisk walking, non-weight-bearing exercises like swimming, or even riding.

All of this science aside, the misconception that exercise will harm the foetus (in a healthy pregnancy) has been negated.

If you are pregnant and have had the OK from your doctor, please consider taking up an exercise regime.

As you go through your pregnancy journey, remember to enjoy the process.

Listen to your body and be unapologetic about your lifestyle! Trust that you have been blessed to carry this miracle and he/she is destined for greatness!

Dre Hinds is a retired track and field athlete who is now a personal trainer, aerobic and yoga instructor and fitness “addict” with more than 20 years’ experience. She specialises in nutrition, weight and sprint training, operating out of HindsSight Fitness and Wellness at the Berkeley Cultural Centre. Contact her on: absbydre@gmail.com or 599-0412. Find her on Facebook and Instagram under @Absbydre