One of the biggest questions in the fitness industry and for new mothers is how will my workouts affect my pregnancy? Working out before your pregnancy was no problem. There are some considerations to take while pregnant but is proven to be safe for the mother and baby. Here are some tips and advice for working out while pregnant.

· Warm up and cool down- Since the heart rate during pregnancy is higher than normal, it is important to give yourself a little more time to warm up and cool down. This will prepare the body for the extra workload.

· Stay hydrated- Making sure you are properly hydrated is not only beneficial to the mother but also the baby. The body’s temperature is regulated through hydration and perspiration so making sure you drink before, during, and after any physical activity will benefit all parties involved.

· Avoid lying on your back- When lying on your back, an increase in pressure is put on one of the most important vein in your body. The inferior vena cava is responsible for providing nourishment to the baby. Obviously, the increased pressure will inhibit this delivery and could cause harm to the child.

· Take it easy- Your goals should be put on hold during pregnancy. Weight loss, muscle gain, even a competitive goal should not be the focus. During you pregnancy, you should be working out to stay healthy and benefit the baby. Certainly after the delivery, goals can be accomplished, but for now take it easy.

How about a scientific study to back up these facts? A study out of Scandinavia shows that women who maintain a healthy diet and exercise twice a week had a lower chance of a C-section and less complications than those mothers who did not. So now we see that exercising not only affects a woman’s health but also the baby’s.

Sean Willitts is an ACE certified personal trainer. He graduated from Kutztown University in 2015 with a bachelor’s in sports management and a minor in fitness. Including training at Body Elite, he is also a record holding powerlifter. He uses his practical experience and knowledge to help his clients achieve their strength and fitness goals.

Sources: http://www.health.com/pregnancy/6-things-you-must-know-about-working-out-during-pregnancy

Wiley. "Effects of physical activity during pregnancy." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 May 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180510115034.htm>.

Effects of Physical Activity During Pregnancy