Being pregnant doesn’t have to be an end to exercising. Even if you’re in your third trimester, you can still find ways to keep fit so that you can maintain good health while expecting your new bundle of joy. Before beginning any exercise program, it’s still important to consult with a doctor to ensure that you won’t be putting your health or the health of your baby at risk. Here are some of the best exercises for pregnant women.

Aerobics

Aerobics is an excellent cardio workout that can help improve your heart functioning while toning your body. Doing aerobics workouts is also a great way to shed some extra pounds if you’ve gained more weight than you should while pregnant. There are aerobics classes that are designed specifically for pregnant women, and your local gym or community center may offer these classes.

Swimming

Swimming is a non-weightbearing exercise that can be particularly good if you have back pain or other discomfort from carrying a growing baby. The breaststroke is a particularly good swimming stroke for pregnant women because of its gentle, fluid movements that don’t put too much strain on the body. You can even try combining swimming with water aerobics.

Walking and Jogging

Both walking and jogging can be good in moderation during pregnancy. However, you may want to refrain from doing these activities very often if you experience pain or discomfort in your feet because of the extra weight gain. If you choose to walk or jog outdoors, you should avoid doing so when the weather is hot or humid since pregnant women tend to overheat quicker.

These are just some of the exercises that can benefit your health and are generally safe to partake in while pregnant. For more advice on exercising while pregnant, talk to our OB/GYN.