Learning that I was pregnant with my first baby made me very much aware of the things that I must do and the things I must avoid. I consulted my doctor, read a lot of books, and learned from other women who had been through the same magical experience. Their advice: Eat healthy and do not forget to exercise.

Benefits of exercise

Contrary to a lot of misconceptions, pregnant women are encouraged to exercise, subject to certain precautions. In fact, I felt much better after consistently working out. It aided the movement of food in my intestines so that I wasn’t constipated often. My back didn’t ache that much so I was able to sleep better at night. More importantly, it became a great form of stress reliever.

Exercises to try

I made an exercise plan, which I discussed with my doctor, and I highly recommend that you do the same.  I also made sure I steered clear from doing any vigorous physical activity.

I enjoyed swimming, especially since it gave me a sense of buoyancy. Carrying a baby in my womb was a heavy job, and floating in the water was indeed a welcome respite. I also made it a point to walk. I would often go to the mall and squeeze in a little shopping. I likewise did Kegel exercises, which contributed much to the easy delivery of my baby.

No matter what kind of exercise you want to do, remember to always listen to your body. If you feel dizzy and exhausted, the exercise you chose might be too strenuous. As they say, when pregnant, everything must be done in moderation, and exercise is no exception.

Pregnancy exercise videos

Here are some videos of pre-natal workouts that you might want to try: