EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY IN MELBOURNE
It is wise to engage in light exercise throughout the duration of your pregnancy. It is recommended to engage in 30-40 minutes of gentle exercise during pregnancy 3-4 times a week.
At Western Specialist Centre in Melbourne, your obstetrician can discuss with you the benefits of exercise during pregnancy and help plan a routine that is right for you. If it is safe to do so, exercise during a routine pregnancy can yield many benefits, for example:
- Maintaining your fitness
- Assisting with weight control
- Strengthening of your back and abdominal muscles
- Improving sleep and aiding symptoms of fatigue
- Preventing constipation
- Prepare your body for labour and childbirth
OPTIONS FOR EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Aqua aerobics
- Pilates and yoga structured specifically for pregnancy
- Exercises designed to strengthen your abdominal, lower back and pelvic floor muscles
- Bicycle riding
WARNINGS FOR EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY
Your obstetrician will discuss with you the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, however there are some circumstances where exercised is not advised such as:
- High blood pressure
- Placenta praevia
- Multiple pregnancy
- Pelvic instability
WARNINGS ABOUT EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY:
- We recommended avoiding any sports where there is a likelihood to fall or receive any abdominal impact
- In any water-based exercise, the water should not be heated above 28 degrees celsius
- Remain hydrated, drinking water before, after and during exercise
- Do not increase your heart rate over 120 bpm
- Do not overdo it, stop and rest immediately if you feel faint or breathless
