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The first trimester can be difficult for newly pregnant women who may struggle with lower energy levels, morning sickness that lasts far longer than just the morning and wanting to be cautious with their bodies during those critical first few months.
But once they have settled into being pregnant in the second trimester, exercise can play a significant role in making the rest of the pregnancy easier.
What is the second trimester?
The second trimester—which is the fourth, fifth, and sixth month of pregnancy— is considered to be the more active period of pregnancy. Often, the expectant mothers feel happier as the anxieties of the first trimester are passed, and most pregnant women have their morning sickness ease off, allowing them to be more active.
Also, it is during the second trimester that women start to visibly show that they are pregnant as their babies continue to grow and develop more complex systems. It is also during this period that weight gain can get out of hand if not carefully monitored and controlled with exercise and healthy eating.
Exercises to be done during the second trimester
To help control your weight as well as strengthen your body as it carries your developing child, there are a number of safe exercises that Treadmill Reviews Guru can recommend for you.
Also, before you begin any course of exercise, be sure to discuss with your doctor before choosing to follow one or more of these courses of exercise. Your physician will be more familiar with your personal physical considerations and will know if your condition allows for the activities you are interested in.
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Yoga
Yoga is a really beneficial exercise. As it aims to reduce back pain, practicing yoga can lower blood pressure as well as boost your mental health. If you aren’t overly experienced with yoga and don’t know where to start, you can just pick 2-5 poses and work from there. The main focus should be to gently strengthen your body.
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Walking
Walking should be done at a brisk pace, pushing only to the extent of having a conversation without getting out of breath. Moving the arms while walking is very beneficial as it makes the upper body stronger and more flexible.
You can consider walking 10 – 15 minutes per day, and if you want this exercise to be more effective, you can increase the time period, the incline of your treadmill, or do both!
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Light Weightlifting
To perform this exercise, use 2 kg weights or water bottles. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommended weight lifting limit. You don’t want to completely neglect strength training, as you will be lugging a newborn, car seat, diaper bag, and other items around and you will want the strength to manage all of these things.
Weightlifting is a perfect exercise that will help you stay fit even after pregnancy, but in no way overdo it with this kind of exercise. The right way of doing this exercise is by focusing on main muscle groups, such as arms, legs, and core. Basic exercises like squats, bicep curls, push-ups, and other exercises will help you build strength without doing potentially dangerous lifts.
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Swimming
Swimming is an exercise that can be enjoyed during any point of a woman’s pregnancy, and it can strengthen the whole body as swimming requires full-body participation. While swimming, a pregnant woman can have the strain of her growing belly relieved while enjoying various types of swimming exercises like lap swimming, water aerobics, or just paddling around.
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Kegel Exercises
These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor and can be important for pregnant women to assist with their upcoming labor.
During this period, it is necessary to stay hydrated. Consumption of 2-3 liters of liquid should be a must during pregnancy while avoiding beverages like tea and coffee. Make sure to drink an extra cup of water for each hour of exercise.
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Why Perform Exercises During The Second Trimester?
There are various reasons why exercising during the second trimester of pregnancy is considered a healthy thing to do. First of all, performing exercises during pregnancy has a great effect on physical and mental health.
The aim of all these exercises is to boost the pregnant mother’s mood and energy, improve their sleep, and help them perform better during the day. Lastly, doing exercises can help alleviate pregnancy-induced pains, which can become compounded if a pregnant woman remains sedentary throughout the pregnancy.
Make Your Second Trimester Easier With Exercise
Just as with the first trimester, the second one is pretty exciting. But this trimester comes with many changes in your body structure. The best way to adapt to the changes is by performing routine exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming, and doing yoga as well as other appropriate exercises.
Performing these exercises will not only provide you the stability, strength, and elasticity but most importantly, you can feel more calm and happy. Make sure you eat healthily and stay hydrated. If you feel any disturbance during exercising, take a rest, and consult with your doctor.
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