You are probably already familiar with the benefits of exercise. Feeling sluggish or demotivated? A simple workout session can often do the trick, and your body will thank you by secreting happy hormones to make you feel better and more confident afterward.
Nevertheless, recent exercise statistics show that humans are coming up with every possible excuse to avoid exercising. In the US, almost half of the population under the age of 65 does not meet physical activity recommendations. There are many reasons for this, but some psychologists claim that is because exercising often makes us feel uncomfortable—and we will do anything to avoid being uncomfortable. And when a woman is pregnant, there can already be a layer of discomfort present.
If you want to refresh your memory on the benefits of exercising, there are some great statistics and other useful information on exercise to keep you up to speed. If you want to join us in debunking exercise myths during the third trimester of pregnancy, keep reading.
Benefits of Exercising During the Third Trimester
Exercising during the third trimester looks like an uncomfortable and even painful activity for both the mother and the unborn child. After all, 28 to 42 weeks into your pregnancy, your baby will be around the size of a squash. It is also during this time that your body goes through the most stress from pregnancy. On the other hand, exercising has a lot of advantages for mothers in their third trimester, and the babies are actually quite safe in their mothers’ wombs.
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is safe and even recommended to exercise during normal and healthy pregnancies. Nevertheless, each pregnancy is different, and it would be best to consult your obstetrician or gynecologist before you start working out during your third trimester. The benefits of exercising between your 28th and 42nd week of pregnancy include counteracting the uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy, such as swelling, constipation, back pain, and fatigue.
Exercising during this time can also lower the risk of complications, such as preeclampsia, cesarean, and gestational diabetes. It can also contribute to your and your baby’s heart health now and in the future. To reap all the benefits, you must exercise safely and know your limits.
Debunking Myth #1: You Should Do Low-Intensity Workouts As Your Pregnancy Progresses
According to a celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza who started the 3-2-1 Baby Bulge Be Gone program, it is not necessary to do less intense workouts or opt for lighter exercises during your third trimester. Instead, you need to listen to your body. Every woman is different, which means that each pregnancy is also different. As long as you feel good while working out, there is no need to slow down.
Debunking Myth #2: Avoid Ab Exercises During Pregnancy
Having a baby bump should not hinder you from strengthening your core as it can help you during pregnancy. A strong core can help you feel better during pregnancy, minimize aches, shorten delivery time, and even postpartum recovery. Obviously, you should avoid exercises like crunches and opt for specific core strengthening exercises that will not harm you or your baby. For example, you can use an exercise ball. It might look easy, but wait till you try balancing on one of those.
Debunking Myth #3: Only Do Prenatal Exercises
Nowadays, there are numerous physical activities you can choose from, such as SoulCycle, Yoga, Bokwa, Zumba, etc., and you do not have to give them up during your third trimester. One famous example is Khloe Kardashian, who regularly invites fans to her workout sessions even during her pregnancy. The eldest Kardashian’s workout is no joke. She was 33 years old when she was pregnant with her first child. She would get her heart rate up by spending 30 minutes on the stair climber machine. But when she started working out with a pro, her circuit-training sessions involved resistance bands, pumping iron, and an exercise ball.
Exercising during pregnancy has both short- and long-term benefits. Not only does it make your body feel better from all the pregnancy-related stress, but it also makes your labor more bearable. Your body will feel energized, and you will also quickly get back in shape after giving birth. So, what are you waiting for? Start exercising for your and your baby’s sake.
For more great pregnancy tips, be sure to read the other blogs on Cyber Parent.