Exercises to do at home
If bad weather or lack of time is keeping you from pursuing fitness during the last few weeks of your pregnancy, don’t fret. There are a couple of safe workouts that you can do while staying home. You can follow along to a pregnancy exercise video on YouTube, or do a bit of light gardening. You can also ride a stationary bike, which is much safer than riding a conventional bicycle during pregnancy, as you’re less likely to fall off. If you have a pool, try doing water aerobics, or have a leisurely swim to get a good workout and get your heart rate up.
When should you stop working out?
Doing physical activity is essential to better health while you’re pregnant. However, you should pay attention to your body and seek the advice of your health provider if you feel chest pain, have trouble breathing, or if you feel dizzy or weak. You may also want to see your doctor if you experience muscle weakness or painful contractions, or if you have vaginal bleeding.
Regular exercise during your third trimester can help prepare your body for labour and help you to manage stress. Consult your health care provider before trying any of these workouts to see if they’re right for you.
Kylee Harris is an educator who has taught in elementary schools in Singapore and Hong Kong for 5 years. She lives in Florida and continues to teach life skills to young adults in her community.
