Pregnancy is a challenging time for both the body and mind. There are a huge number of changes to cope with. Emotions are high and energy is low, it can be overwhelming.
If you are a lover of fitness it will be important to you to maintain your routine and exercise is fantastic for pregnant women for lots of reasons.
But what to wear?! Comfort is key and hopefully this guide to maternity sportswear will help you to find some supportive and soft pieces that you’ll adore wearing.
A shopping guide to the best maternity activewear
The best maternity leggings have been found! Read all about and buy the most loved maternity gym wear UK retailers sell.
Maternity yoga pants
Maternity gym wear
Maternity Sportswear
Why wearing your maternity fitness clothes for actual exercise is important!
So, with our help, you have discovered maternity gym clothes that are a joy to wear. Here’s a little motivation to use them for what they were designed for.
Faster recovery post-birth
All women, babies and births are different, so it isn’t guaranteed, but a good level of fitness is helpful in the post-birth phase.
Lower blood pressure
High blood pressure can lead to a dangerous condition called Pre-Eclampsia. Exercise is a good way to reduce blood pressure in most people so it’s a useful tool for pregnant women too.
Has a positive impact on mood
There is a mass of evidence to show that keeping fit is excellent for mental health. Pregnant women can suffer from anxiety, low mood and irritability. The endorphins produced by exercise will help ease these conditions and help to prevent Post-Natal Depression.
Better quality sleep
Many women experience insomnia in pregnancy. Often, it’s due to being uncomfortable sleeping with a bump or experiencing heartburn.
Studies have shown that ladies who exercise regularly (but not before bed!) drop off quicker and enjoy a deeper sleep.
Relieve constipation
Constipation and piles are a delightful part of being an expectant Mum. Regular exercise will help with an irregular bowel. Some women report that a 30-minute walk can produce miraculous effects on days where they ‘struggle’.
Help with tiredness
It may seem weird but if you’re feeling fatigued, donning your maternity walking trousers and going for a brisk walk will perk you up! Never exercise to the point of exhaustion but doing no exercise at all can make tiredness worse
The amount and type of exercise
The minimum recommended amount of active time to aim for is 150 minutes a week. This can be split however you wish and if you’re new to exercise should be built up to over a few weeks.
Treating yourself to some gorgeous new maternity exercise clothes is a great way to begin your new routine. Looking good will help your confidence and you’ll soon be power walking round your local area.
If you already have a fitness regime, chat with your coach or personal trainer about what modifications you might need to make.
New gym bunnies can happily and safely enjoy the following:
- Yoga that is led by a trained Yogi
- Walking
- Gentle jogging
- Gym classes under the supervision of a qualified teacher
- Dancing – wearing colourfully patterned maternity exercise leggings will make you want to dance every time you put them on!
- Swimming
Know your limits
You may be wearing the most beautiful and comfy maternity yoga leggings, but you still need to be aware of your body’s limits.
Before you rock up to a fast-paced HIIT class in your brand-new pregnancy gym clothes, it’s important that you discuss your fitness plans with a midwife.
It’s a good idea to avoid taking part in these activities:
- Contact sports such as boxing
- Horse riding
- Skiing
- Gymnastics
- Weightlifting unless experienced and supervised by a coach
In the unlikely event that you experience any of these symptoms stop exercising immediately and consider speaking with your GP.
- Light-headed
- Feel contractions
- Become short of breath
- Notice vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
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