exercising?

[acline93]

I'm 18+3, and I REALLY need to start exercising. I'm hoping it will help my horrible back pain. What are some good exercises to do while pregnant? I don't want to overwork myself. :)

[acline93]

Oh okay! Thanks girl, I'll try that before I head to bed.

[Clysta]

Have you ever heard of something called a figure 4? It can help to stretch the muscles. Lay on your back and angle the lower half of your body. Lay one leg over the other like you're making a 4 with your body and legs. Try to keep your back as flat as you can on the ground. Then switch and do it on the other side. If your stomach isn't large you can also ask your partner or a family member to help push one leg up while you lay on your back. Make sure to keep it slightly bent at the knee and they lean against the lower portion of your leg,  near your buttocks. (I have occasional back issues and my PT thought me these)

[acline93]

I'll definitely give him a ring tomorrow. I just want my muscle spasms in my back to go away, and people have suggested exercising.

[Clysta]

If you've had high blood pressure I'd speak to your doctor before starting anything. They can personalize it based on your health and needs.

[acline93]

I'm just concerned about the effects that it will have on my blood pressure, since it has been high since about my 12th week. But I'll start walking in my subdivision starting tomorrow :) thanks yall!

[Linzeey]

A lot of back pain is actually from your hamstrings! Do some really good stretches in the morning and before bed. Dr told me that for my pain...helps A TON!

[jessicaann21]

I've been swimming and it helps a lot I think. And yeah I use the stair machine. Also just doing stretches everyday has helped my back tremendously.

[Clysta]

There are various ones you can get geared specially for pregnant women. In general anything you did prior to pregnancy you can continue, you just have to be mindful of your heart rate and staying hydrated. If you didn't, start small with things like walking, fast pacing, those weird stair machines, etc and work your way up. Swimming has excellent benefits as well if you have access to it.