For a successful pregnancy, surrogates should take great care to keep their health a priority. In addition to healthy diet, surrogates can incorporate regular exercise into their daily routines to maintain fitness. Though exercising while pregnant can sound daunting, you can rest assured that no matter what your current fitness level, you can begin an exercise program before or during your surrogacy. Read on for ways that surrogates can maintain fitness while pregnant.

Exercise Programs Vary for Surrogates of Different Lifestyles

Doctors usually recommend 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. This, of course, depends on you and recommendations from your personal healthcare provider. More often than not, however, healthcare providers strongly encourage activity during pregnancy. If you have been inactive up until your surrogacy, it’s still okay to start an exercise regime as long as you don’t overdo it. Walking, yoga, and light strength training are all great ways to ease into regular exercise for beginners.

If you’re an athlete or avid gym-goer, pregnancy does not need to stop you from doing the activities you love. You can still devote daily time to playing your favorite sports, so long as the proper adjustments are made. If you have always been a contact sports player, for instance, this may be the time to switch it up. Consider variations to your favorite games that are safer for you and the baby. Regardless, you will be able to find ways to maintain your favorite active lifestyle. You might just be surprised at what you can still accomplish while pregnant.

Tips to Exercise Safely

No matter what exercise program you incorporate into your pregnancy, there are several safety tips that apply to all surrogates maintaining their fitness.

Keep Track of Calories

To account for the extra nutrition you’ll need to provide the baby, make sure that you’re eating enough calories. Don’t forget to factor in calories burned from walking, jogging, or any other exercise you complete daily. Sticking to your healthy diet is key for to keeping up your energy throughout the pregnancy.

Wear the Right Attire

Wearing the right clothes during your workout is more important than you might think. Loose-fitting clothing is ideal for proper movement and circulation, and wearing layers will help you adjust your temperature throughout your exercise to stay comfortable. It’s also a good idea to inspect your workout shoes. Shoes you wore before pregnancy may not be the best fit anymore. Pregnancy can cause swelling in the feet, meaning you might need to size up in order to have a comfortable fit. Adding more support and cushion to your insoles can also make a huge difference in your comfort levels while pregnant.

Stay Hydrated

Pregnant or not, hydration is important during exercise. It’s especially important during pregnancy in order to ensure proper blood flow and nutrients to the baby. Drink water before, during, and after any physical activity.

Listen to Your Body

A good rule for measuring how hard you should be working during exercise is to gauge how easy it is to hold a conversation. If you can’t speak comfortably while working out, it’s best to lighten your resistance and take it easy. Most healthcare officials will agree that it’s more beneficial to exercise regularly and moderately than intermittently and aggressively, especially during pregnancy.

No matter what, make sure to listen to your body every day. When you’re feeling extra tired, make the workout a lighter one. When your energy is high, take advantage of it. As long as you pay close attention to how you feel while working out, you’ll be in good shape.

Surrogate Parenting Services Can Provide the Right Support

If you have begun your surrogacy journey, make sure to consult with your doctors and medical experts to customize a health and fitness regimen that fits your lifestyle. Surrogate Parenting Services is a great organization that can provide you with a dedicated support team and works with you every step of the way. Though regular exercise is generally safe for surrogates, it’s always a good idea to have the support of your doctor. This way, you can make sure that whatever fitness regime you undertake will fit your current fitness status and help you feel energized, not exhausted. For more information on beginning your surrogacy journey and finding your medical support team, contact Surrogate Parenting Services at (949) 363-9525