If you’ve already got children, then this pregnancy won’t be like your first. You might not get the time to pamper yourself as much as you did the first-time round. But, it’s still important to build in some time during your day for exercise. Keeping fit not only helps you to stay strong for your pregnancy, but it will help to maintain your weight and give you the feel-good factor.
Walking
Walking is an easy and cheap way of maintaining your fitness. If you have a child whose still in a buggy, then you can combine taking baby for a walk with the opportunity to get out and about. Better still if you have a dog. Then there’s no excuses. The dog won’t let you stay in even if you want to!
There’s no need to get bored by sticking to the same old route. Explore the area you live in. You could try a walking app like ifootpath or Go Justly. They have walking routes all over the UK. You put in your postcode and the app will search for a route. Both apps let you upload photographs and share with your friends. It’s a good way to find different walks and see new things.
Don’t forget to wrap up if it’s cold and take a rain jacket in case the heavens decide to open while you’re out. In the summer wear light clothing and carry a bottle of water with you to keep you hydrated.
Swimming
Swimming will improve your muscle tone and build up your stamina. It is a safe way to exercise and when you’re in the water your weight is supported so your not at risk of injury.
It might also help if you have any aches and pains like backache or swollen ankles. Look out for pregnancy swimming classes at your local pool. This will help you to get to know other local mums and join in a group. Or if you prefer head to the pool at your leisure and spend some time doing gentle widths or lengths which will help all the muscle groups and improve your circulation.
Exercise Classes
If you prefer to join an exercise class rather than walk or swim yoga and pilates are perfect for pregnant women. The breathing techniques will help you during labour and the strengthening exercises will keep your pelvic floor strong.
Aerobics and Running
If you are used to doing aerobics and/or running, then there’s no reason to stop just because you are pregnant. You might have to adjust your routines as your pregnancy progresses. You will find that you can’t do as much near the end of your pregnancy. Aerobics and running will help your stamina and keep your weight down.
Include the Kids
If you are pregnant and you already have children, you can do plenty of exercise with them. Walking and swimming are both activities that children love. You might also find babies and children’s yoga classes which are fun. Once you’ve had baby keep up with your exercises and include the kids so that they learn to love being active too.
