How to Stay Active During a Winter Pregnancy
Being pregnant in the wintertime does not mean you can't exercise and stay active. Most pregnant women need at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily for a healthy pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can work out at the gym, in the comfort and privacy of your own home, or even outdoors in the winter elements, provided you bundle up and choose mild activities that won't put you or the baby at risk. If you have children in the home, include them in on some of your activities so they get ample winter exercise too. However you decide to get your exercise, always consult with your personal physician before engaging in any physical activity.
Instructions
Take pregnancy-friendly fitness classes at the gym. Even if it's cold outside, if the roads are clear and free of ice, head to the gym. Many large gyms offer a wide variety of classes, including those for expectant mothers focusing on modified exercises that are safe for mom and baby. Depending on the gym, you could take classes such as yoga, Pilates, aquatic aerobics or a ballet bar class, and you can exercise on the treadmills and stationary bikes. Remember to consult with your doctor first to see what activities are best for your pregnancy. Plan simple home workouts if it's too cold or unsafe to venture outdoors. When you are stuck at home, you can still stay active with workout DVD's geared toward pregnant women. If you don't have any, you can download almost any type of pregnancy-safe workout from online retailers and exercise in the comfort of your own home. Play in the snow but play safely. Downhill skiiing, ice skating and sledding are out until after your baby's born. Obstetrician and gynecologist Laure E. Stachel recommends snowshoeing as a safer snow activity, provided you choose a terrain that won't overexert you and keeps your heart rate below 150 beats per minute. And the American Pregnancy Association says that while cross-country skiing is a "fairly safe sport for pregnant women, there is a risk of falling." So if you do cross-country ski, stay away from icy trails and hard-packed snow. Stachel recommends pregnant women only cross-country ski if they have experience and unlikely to fall. Pull on your snow boots and take a leisure walk around the neighborhood, being mindful of any icy patches. Purchase a good pair of ice grippers, also called snow chains for shoes, just in case. Stay active during your winter pregnancy by getting playful your partner in the yard, building a snowman or making snow angels. Try alternative indoor activities to stay active in winter. Put on your favorite upbeat music, and dance in your living room. Or try a fun, dance aerobic DVD - they have everything from hula to jazz, as well as exercise routines just for pregnant moms. If you have kids in the home, play hide and seek and other games. Get one of those fitness related video games that have you on your feet and moving around, such as virtual tennis and baseball. Don't forget swimming is an excellent activity for pregnant women - yes, even in winter, if there's a health club with a pool nearby.
