If you’re pregnant, staying active will keep your muscles strong, improve sleep, and reduce your stress levels—all things that also help protect the health of your developing baby. But since pregnancy involves a changing body, the specialists at Ogeechee OB-GYN remind patients that prenatal exercise can require a few adjustments. To help you get the most out of your prenatal care, this women’s health clinic of Statesboro, GA, highlights a few ways to optimize your workouts to promote wellness.

Before you start any pregnancy fitness program, it’s essential to get approval from a trusted OB-GYN. There are a few different activities—such as combat sports and high-impact aerobics—that may impact the health of you and your baby, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy. However, light cardio, yoga, and weight training are all types of fitness that generally have a positive effect on prenatal care.

Once you figure out what is best for you, keep these tips in mind:

• Start Slow, End Smooth: Aching backs and sore muscles are not uncommon during pregnancy and can dramatically increase discomfort and stress for expectant mothers. To avoid exacerbating these symptoms, always be sure to stretch and warm up before any workout, as well as finish with a cool down period. If you feel like you’re rushing into an activity, you likely need to tone it down. Aim for a pace where your heart rate is up, but you aren’t running out of breath or straining muscles.
• Hydrate: Although every athlete will need to drink extra water to make up for fluid loss caused by sweating, staying hydrated is crucial for pregnant women. To keep your fluid levels up, drink about two cups of water an hour before working out and continue to drink water during and after exercise. Taking these precautions can help make sure nutrients are being transported efficiently and amniotic fluid levels are adequate.
• Modify Positions: Depending on your overall condition and the stage of your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend avoiding certain types of positions. For example, women should typically avoid lying flat on their back during the second and third trimester. As such, you should make sure to adjust your positioning appropriately by making use of exercise balls, foam blocks, and other support devices.

The most important aspect of prenatal exercise is to always stay tuned in to your body. If something feels unusual, cease activity and consult a medical professional.

Whether you have concerns about fitness during pregnancy or need help developing the best prenatal care plan for you, the team at Ogeechee OB-GYN can help. Providing comprehensive women’s health services for more than 50 years, this clinic can confidently address every aspect of pregnancy and provide you and your baby with reliable care every step of the way. You can learn more about their specialized care online or call (912) 871-6206 to schedule a convenient appointment in Statesboro, GA.