Jun 28, 2024
Everything about sports during pregnancy
Pregnancy, it remains special. Nine months you take the time to bring new life into the world. You are on a pink cloud and enjoy every moment. Are you at the beginning of your pregnancy, or have you been on this journey for a while? Then you may also have questions about what you can and cannot do in terms of exercising during your pregnancy. What is sensible? Know that there are quite a few benefits to staying active during pregnancy. Not only for yourself, but also for the baby. So exercising and being pregnant, how does that work? In this blog, we will take you through what to keep in mind. We will also pause to highlight the importance of staying sufficiently active during the different phases.Sports and pregnancyNow that you are pregnant, a lot is changing. Take your body, for example. It is undergoing a complete transformation. Especially if you have always struggled with a few extra pounds, that can be quite exciting. But even if you were very active, you want to continue that for as long as possible. We have good news for you. Exercising during pregnancy is super beneficial for you and is even recommended.
During your pregnancy, your metabolism changes among other things. This means that during the day (and night), you use more energy to allow the little miracle to grow inside you. Do you have to eat for two to compensate? The answer is no. You need more energy, but you can also get that from sufficient exercise. Since you use a bit more energy, it is wise to eat something extra before exercising, like a banana or a muesli bar. This way, you have enough energy to stay active.
Exercising during pregnancy, what should you keep in mind?A pregnancy consists of different stages that you go through. Your body responds differently to exercising and moving in each stage. Did you know that in the first trimester you often have less energy? Make sure that the exercise you do can be easily adjusted to your personal goals and that you do not train too hard. Many women find that they regain more energy from exercising in the second trimester. If you are in doubt whether exercising is appropriate for you at the moment, consult your midwife, gynecologist, or general practitioner.
Pay extra attention around the fourth month of your pregnancy. Around this time, the hormone 'relaxin' increases. This hormone causes relaxation of the supportive ligaments around your joints. It is extremely uncomfortable if you experience this. You will notice this primarily in the pelvis and lower back. These joints bear the most stress during pregnancy. From the fourth month onward, keep in mind that if you have pelvic or lower back pain, you should not overload these joints for too long and too heavily. Try to avoid impact loading in particular.
Due to pregnancy, the center of gravity of your body changes. The danger is that you walk with a hollow back. Be mindful of maintaining a good posture while exercising. Seek advice on this as well. By exercising under supervision and using well-adjusted equipment, you can ensure that you exercise without injuries, which is also better for the baby.The importance of sufficient movement during pregnancyStaying active during pregnancy has several benefits. For instance, exercising helps keep your body healthy. It improves your fitness throughout the pregnancy. If you choose a sport that trains different muscle groups, you will notice that this makes the delivery much smoother. Exercising during pregnancy also reduces the risk of pregnancy-related ailments such as varicose veins, gestational diabetes, and -toxemia.
You are not the only one who benefits from the advantages of staying active during pregnancy. Exercising improves circulation, which provides better blood flow to the placenta. This is your baby's main source of nutrition. By exercising, you give your baby more nourishment and oxygen. And don’t worry. With active movement, the baby will only feel rocking and swaying, which often makes them fall asleep while you exercise.Training program adjusted to your bodyWherever you are in your pregnancy, always listen to your body. It will be easier for some to continue exercising during pregnancy than for others. Have you ever thought about the benefits of circuit training? The circuit consists of 8 different exercises to improve your fitness and strength. The perfect preparation for childbirth. With a personalized training program, we ensure that you never train too hard. Additionally, our training equipment automatically adjusts, and with digital guidance, you can always exercise injury-free.