Do Not Do These Exercises If You Are Pregnant.

Staying active during pregnancy to help manage weight, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, and promote overall well-being can be very beneficial but not all exercises are suitable for expectant mothers. Some exercises can either put the baby's life at risk or induce labour. Here are some gym exercises you should not do as a pregnant woman.

High-Impact Aerobic.

High-impact aerobic exercises involve intense movements and jumping, which can increase the risk of joint injury and falls. During pregnancy, your ligaments become more relaxed, making it very easy for you to get injured. You could go for low-impact aerobics or prenatal dance classes that are designed to be gentle on your joints and safer for your pregnancy.

Lying On Your Back

After the first trimester, exercises that require lying flat on your back can cause the weight of the uterus to compress the vena cava, a major vein, thereby reducing blood flow to your heart and consequently your baby.  It's better to go for prenatal yoga and Pilates classes.

Hot Yoga.

These exercises are performed in a heated environment, which can lead to overheating and dehydration. Pregnant women are more prone to overheating, which can be harmful to the baby. Choose regular prenatal yoga or Pilates classes in a comfortably cool environment.

Heavy Weightlifting.

Lifting heavy weights poses risks as it may strain your back and abdominal muscles, already under stress due to the growing baby. Additionally, there's a risk of breath-holding, which can reduce blood flow to the uterus. It's advisable to opt for lighter weights with higher repetitions or switch to resistance bands, providing a safer method to maintain muscle tone without excessive strain.

While exercising during pregnancy is crucial, if there's any indication of risk to the baby, it's best to refrain from such exercises.