10 WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE DURING PREGNANCY

If you’re like most people, pregnancy involves allowing your body to change more dramatically than it ever has in 9 months. Even if you’re not already regularly active, such changes can make it difficult to perform even menial tasks if you aren’t proactive about it. It’s not impossible to safely stay active during pregnancy, however -- here are some ways to go about it. 

1.) RUNNING ERRANDS 

While you’re pregnant, you’re going to find that one of the best ways to stay fresh and active is to walk. Some people may find it too easy to get bored while casually strolling without purpose, so an easy place to get some good work in while keeping your mind occupied is the supermarket or grocery store. Go slowly and deliberately, walking down every aisle to see if there’s anything you would like. By the time you’re done, you can have gotten a good day’s worth of strolling! 

2.) WALK INSTEAD OF TAKING PUBLIC TRANSIT, OR JUST GET OFF A STOP EARLY 

If you normally commute to work using public transit and live within a reasonable walking distance, give yourself some extra time and leg it out! Conversely, if you can’t avoid taking the bus or train, try getting off a stop early and walking the rest of the way.  Double check with your doctor before engaging in any strenuous activities. 

3.) STRETCH IT OUT 

You don’t necessarily have to hit the gym or go out to stay active while you’re pregnant. Sometimes, just standing up and thoroughly stretching your body is an easy way to keep yourself fit and ready to go. Pulling your arms back, getting on your tiptoes, whatever it may be, try to take conscious small breaks to work your muscles. 

 But similarly to regular stretching, getting involved with yoga is a great way to keep your muscles active and limber while practicing good breathing technique and decompression methods. 

5.) GET YOUR BREATHING DOWN 

Most people don’t take the time to practice proper breathing technique. Getting some real, deliberate, full breaths in at some point during the day will help you feel more alert and refreshed. Sometimes, all it takes to feel ready to go in the morning is standing up and taking two or three slow breaths, working to feel the air fill your body as locally as possible.  

6.) HOP IN THE WATER 

Swimming is a particularly healthy activity for pregnant women, as the feeling of increased weightlessness underwater can help you feel much more able to move fluidly. By going swimming at your local pool a couple of times a week, you can allow yourself a rather active workout without straining yourself too far or putting the baby at risk. 

7.) GET UP AND DANCE 

If you find yourself listening to music and not doing much else, stand up and start moving! It doesn’t have to be intense or even good, but just rocking to the beat and shifting your weight around will help keep all of your muscles engaged and your body a lot happier. Plus, dancing releases a bunch of hormones that will leave you feeling energetic and content. 

Doing housework is already a great way to keep your body and mind engaged while maintaining your living space to a healthy and productive standard. If your home isn’t feeling up to scale, your mind won’t either, so while you’re at it, put a little extra pep in your step and really work your body while getting stuff done. 

9.) DOWNLOAD AN APP TO HELP YOU 

There are countless fitness apps out there for smartphones nowadays, as well as apps for meditation, diet, and other health-related subjects. Some are specifically tailored for mothers-to-be, so go on the lookout for them and get on your feet. 

10.) SIGN UP FOR A PRENATAL CLASS 

Among all of the other useful things you may be able to learn from the class about what to do during pregnancy, you’ll learn a bunch of safe exercises and stretches you can do while carrying your child. 

Staying active while pregnant may not be the easiest thing to do, but it’s imperative for a safe and healthy pregnancy and a happy, healthy baby. Besides that, an object in motion stays in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest. So get up, figure out what works for you, and get on it!