Does it matter if you hold your abdomen in during early pregnancy?

It is wrong to tighten the abdomen in the early stages of pregnancy, as it will seriously affect the normal development of the fetus. Therefore, it is recommended that expectant mothers should not tighten the abdomen during pregnancy. It is best to do it after delivery, which can promote the contraction of the belly. In addition, expectant mothers may want to do some light exercises in the early stages, such as walking and swimming, which are good for the development of the fetus, but it is best not to do abdominal exercises.

1. Can I hold my abdomen during pregnancy?

For the health of the baby, you cannot do any abdominal exercises during pregnancy. If you want to lose weight, you can do appropriate and reasonable abdominal exercises after the pregnancy.

2. What kind of exercise can you do during pregnancy?

2.1. Walking

Ensuring 15-20 minutes of walking time every day is beneficial for both expectant mothers and babies. It is best to take a walk in an environment with fresh air, and don't walk too long or too fast. At the beginning, you can slow down your pace, take a walk after using the air bed in the morning and after dinner every day, and add some climbing exercises as appropriate. The time and distance of walking should be adjusted according to your own feeling, so as not to feel tired. When taking a walk, don't walk too fast, but walk slowly to avoid excessive vibration to the body or fatigue. When taking a walk in the early stages of pregnancy, you should walk slowly for the first 5 minutes and do some warm-up exercises. You should also walk slowly in the last 5 minutes to relax your body.

2.2 Swimming

Swimming is a very good exercise that can be continued until full term. Swimming increases the strength to support your body weight, helps with relaxation, and improves endurance and flexibility. Swimming during pregnancy can increase cardiopulmonary function, and the great buoyancy of water can reduce the burden on joints. At the same time, regular swimming during pregnancy can improve mood, reduce pregnancy reactions, and is very helpful to the fetus's nervous system. Swimming exercises muscles throughout the body, promotes blood circulation, and allows the fetus to develop better.

3. Precautions for exercise in early pregnancy

3.1. During the first three months of pregnancy, as the embryo is still in the development stage and the connection between the placenta and the mother's uterine wall is not yet tight, it is very likely that improper movement will vibrate the uterus, causing the placenta to fall off and resulting in miscarriage. Expectant mothers should try to choose slower exercises, and never do exercises such as jumping, twisting or rapid rotation.

3.2. Before exercising, you should consult a doctor to find out which exercise is suitable for you.

3.3. When exercising, you should wear loose clothing and well-fitting flat shoes. If you go swimming, you should wear a swimsuit designed specifically for pregnant women.

3.4. Drink enough water before and during exercise, and take more rest during exercise.

3.5. Do not engage in activities in an environment that is too hot or too humid.

3.6. Pay attention to warm-up and relaxation before and after exercise, especially pay attention to the ligament areas.

What are the benefits of exercise during pregnancy?

1. Stimulate fetal development.

When pregnant mothers exercise regularly, the oxygen concentration in the blood increases, and the fetus indirectly obtains sufficient oxygen and nutrients, which helps the baby's development.

2. Prevent gestational diabetes.

Exercise can improve the kidney's blood sugar utilization rate, stimulate insulin secretion to metabolize excess sugar, and achieve the effect of preventing and treating gestational diabetes.

3. Improve sleep quality and enhance resistance.

Pregnant women are prone to poor sleep quality. Appropriate exercise can improve sleep. In addition, exercise can promote blood circulation, metabolism, and help enhance the immunity of pregnant mothers.

4. Promote digestion and absorption.

For pregnant women, walking, physical fitness, yoga or stationary cycling are all very suitable, especially as the pregnancy progresses, the belly becomes larger and presses on the gastrointestinal tract, causing gastrointestinal motility to deteriorate. Exercise can help digestion and prevent bloating and constipation.

5. Promote metabolism, reduce fatigue and edema.

Exercise can promote blood circulation, increase the oxygen content in the blood, increase metabolism and improve fatigue. The pregnant mother's spirit will improve, and her mood will be peaceful and stable. When blood circulation improves, edema can also be relieved appropriately.