Safe Exercises during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful experience for mothers to be. But, you don’t have to experience all the usual symptoms that pregnancy often brings. There are some safe and easy exercises to do when you’re pregnant. Why should you exercise during pregnancy? Exercise helps ease backaches, minimize fatigue and reduce labor pains.

As with any form of exercise, make sure you stretch. Don’t over stretch your body during pregnancy, but stretch your muscles to a comfortable level. It’s important to keep your heart rate level below 140 beats per minute. If you get too hot during your workout, stop and cool down. Your body will produce more heat because of the increased blood flow. It’s important to remember not to overheat your body—it may induce a miscarriage. Keeping track of your pregnancy week by week will help you judge the best time during your pregnancy to workout.

Taking a brisk walk is a good workout for a pregnant woman. Utilize the “talk test” to ensure you’re not overworking your body. The talk test is speaking normally without having to take a deep breath. This will let you know if you’re walking at the proper speed. Swimming is another great workout for pregnancy. Being suspended in the water helps ease your joints. Performing cardio exercises in water is easier to do. Swim for twenty minutes per day at least five times a week. Avoid hot tubs, however. You don’t have to exercise alone. Some women find that joining a class makes exercising fun to do. Good and safe pregnancy exercises help keep you—and your baby—in good health.

 

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Tips for Food Safety When Pregnant

EN Japanese cuisine

Image by hsuanwei via Flickr

There are many things to avoid when pregnant to ensure the health of your baby. Many medical and health professionals recommend avoiding certain foods as well.

Here are the foods that recommended to be avoided when pregnant.

  • Soft cheeses – unless they have been cooked thoroughly.
  • Any sort of cold meat both cooked and processed.
  • Store bought salads that have been pre-packaged.
  • Any type of undercooked or raw meat, for example raw seafood like that found in Japanese cuisine.
  • Unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk direct from the cow. This includes unpasteurized dairy products from goats.
  • Any form of pate.

It is recommended that pregnant women avoid these foods as they put both the mother and baby at risk of contracting salmonella, toxoplasmosis, or listeria. The list of foods to avoid may impact your diet greatly, but it is better to be safe when it comes to the health of an unborn child.

As you may already know, it is strongly recommended for expecting mothers to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. Such things can greatly harm the development of the growing baby.

The following foods are recommended for pregnant women.

  • Breads and cereals, in particular whole grain.
  • Vegetables and legumes (beans, peas, and lentils).
  • Any kind of fruit.
  • Foods high in protein, such as cooked meat, cooked eggs, and a variety of nuts.
  • Foods high in calcium such as pasteurized dairy products. If it is cheese then make sure it is a hard cheese.
  • Soy products, they are high in protein and very safe to consume.

Caring for yourself and your baby will ensure a complication free pregnancy.

 

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