Can I exercise in my first trimester of pregnancy?

Yes, you can exercise in the first trimester of pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, exercising during the first trimester of pregnancy is not only beneficial but also necessary in order to have a healthy weight gain throughout the pregnancy. Elders in the family are often seen discouraging young women from doing even regular activities. However, women can do both light exercises and stretching while they are in the first trimester of their pregnancy.

Your exercise plan will depend to a large extent on whether your pregnancy is normal or not. It is generally recommended that in the first trimester of pregnancy, women should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most or all days of the week. You can get in touch with your doctor to discuss your exercise plan, should  you have any doubts. Your doctor may even recommend some specific exercises that you can do right at home.

Exercises for first trimester of pregnancy

Going for relaxing walks while you’re pregnant offers superb cardiovascular benefits, and you can do it any time, anywhere. With the right shoes and a bottle of water, you can stay fit throughout your pregnancy, provided you don’t overexert yourself.

Swimming is a great way to get and stay fit. It’s a fun, safe, low-impact exercise that reaps great cardiovascular benefits.

Yoga is another exercise that can be taken up during pregnancy. A lot of fitness studios offer yoga sessions customized for pregnant women.

Other tips for first trimester exercising

It is imperative for you to stop your regime and hurry on to the nearest hospital if you experience any form or unusual pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding and urine contractions during exercising.

Hydration is important, so take sips frequently throughout your first trimester workouts and for the rest of the day.

And always remember to check with your health care providers if you are unsure about anything.