
In addition to speaking with a personal trainer, do the following to ensure you’re making the best choice for you and your baby:
Speak With Your Doctor
Before you begin or maintain your weight training routine, speak with your doctor and let them know what you want to do. Your doctor will help you determine if you are healthy enough to lift weights during your pregnancy, and also will warn you of certain movements that could be dangerous to perform.
Lift Lighter
If you are cleared by a medical professional and plan to start a weight lifting regiment during your pregnancy, you should plan on lifting less weight than you normally would. You can make up for this lack of weight by doing more reps.
Avoid Certain Movements
There are a number of different movements and positions that could be harmful for you and your baby. Lunging forward while pregnant can provide a big risk of injury to the pelvic area. You are carrying extra weight in your mid-section which can put an additional strain on your muscles while you lunge. If you lunge forward during your workout you could lose your balance posing a risk to you and the baby. Also you could pressure on your cervix which could result in your water breaking prematurely.
Be Careful
The gym can be a dangerous place when you are pregnant so make sure you are careful when you lift weights. You don’t want to accidentally hit your belly with a weight, or drop something on yourself. Sometimes resistance bands can provide a safer way to work out your upper body when pregnant.
For more information on lifting weights during pregnancy, visit the Downtown Athletic Club and speak to a professional. Our qualified trainers are well educated and knowledgeable when it comes to working out and weight training during and after pregnancy.