If you’re experiencing some aches and cramps while pregnant, some light stretching and exercises could help. Here are some common pregnancy problems and how to solve them.
However, as with all pregnancy related activities, be sure to check with your gynae to see if it’s suitable for you before embarking on them. Not every exercise can be suitable for you, depending on your pregnancy.
This yoga pose can help alleviate tense back muscles and helps you relax better. Be sure to do this pose on a soft mat or place a pillow below you.
How: Start by kneeling on all fours with you back straight. Next, inhale and curve your back towards the floor and look up at the ceiling. Remember to go at your own pace. As you exhale, bring your back up to create a hunch. Watch below:
Morning sicknesses can sometimes creep up on you and if you start feeling uncomfortable, this breathing exercise might help.
How: Lie with your neck and feet slighly elevated by a pillow. Breathe in and out deeply for about 20 minutes or until nausea ends. If you’re unable to lie down, sit and do the breathing exercise.
If you can’t seem to go despite the amount of fibre you’re eating, try walking instead. Exercising can help relax your body and release endorphins too.
How: Walk for about 20 minutes each day. Whether it’s a short walk around your block or even a quick errand run, clock in at least 20 minutes of walking each day – at your own pace, of course – and you’ll feel better.
Certain yoga poses can help correct your posture and relief your body of wind.
How: Watch below for some easy yoga poses you can try out. Always consult with a doctor before attempting these poses.
We’ve all seen that photo of Kim Kardashian’s swollen feet when she was pregnant and it doesn’t look too comfortable.
How: Elevate your feet by lying on your back and having your legs up against the wall. Alternatively, do it on your sofa with your legs slightly propped up and flex your feet back and forth. Drawing circles with your feet propped up also helps.
Whether it’s just floating on your back in pool or doing some light laps around the pool, swimming helps to ease aches and strains and relieves swelling because your body is supported by the water.
Kegel exercises can help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and prevent any embarassing situations from happening the next time you laugh or sneeze.
How: Contract your pelvic muscles and hold them there for five seconds, let go and repeat the exercise about 10 times.
As mentioned earlier, exercising can release endorphins that can make you happier and influence your mood swings.
How: Short and light cardio activities like walking or swimming can help ease mood swings.