It is important for a surrogate to stay fit and healthy. Participating in a fitness regime will not only keep your body in great shape during your surrogacy, but it will also help you feel better emotionally.
The recommended amount of and intensity of your exercise routine will depend on what stage of pregnancy you’re in. Simple exercises are best to get your muscles working and blood flowing without too much strain. Swimming and especially walking are great exercises for surrogates at almost any stage of your pregnancy. Stretching also enhances blood circulation which helps transport crucial nutrients to the cells in your body and also assists in the elimination of toxin build-up and waste in our systems.
Another great form of exercise is yoga because you can build muscle, burn calories, and stretch without subjecting your body to the stresses of impact. Yoga is also good for relaxation and working on breathing control techniques. You may also want to combine yoga with meditation for the ultimate workout and relaxation experience.
8 fitness tips for surrogate moms:
- Consult with your physician before beginning any exercise routine
- Stay within your Safety Zone – When working out remember that a whole new person is growing inside your body which means you will need more oxygen and energy. Learn to measure your pulse to tell how your body responds to exercise. If you feel faint or extremely fatigued, stop and cool down. If you continue to get worse, wait until you feel better to drive and call your physician to let them know.
- Choose appropriate exercises such as yoga, low-impact aerobics, and swimming. Inquire with your doctor before participating in any exercise that requires lifting, jumping or medium to high-impact maneuvers.
- Stay cool and hydrated. Drink up to 1 pint of liquid prior to exercising and 1 cup of liquid every 20 minutes during exercise – water is best. And make sure you replenish fluids lost afterwards. Overheating can lead to exhaustion and other issues. If you start to feel too hot, slow down and cool down before beginning again.
- Always warm up first and cool down by slowly decreasing your heart rate. Warming up includes stretching and gradually raising your heart rate as you ease into your routine.
- Do pelvic floor exercises daily – this will help keep your spine and back strong, alleviate bladder and bowel control problems, and flatten your tummy after childbirth.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. We all know that fruits and vegetables are necessary for good health. As a surrogate you are eating for two people so it is imperative to eat good foods with lots of nutrients. Vegetables containing vitamin A such as sweet potatoes are good for growing bones. Foods such as bananas and whole grains are rich in vitamin B6 and encourage red blood cell formation. A well balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables will make both you and the baby healthier.
- Growing another person inside your body can be exhausting. Make sure you get plenty of rest and don’t be afraid to take frequent naps during the day.
Whatever exercise you choose, make sure you consult with your physician first to avoid over-exerting yourself. And make sure to stretch before exercising to reduce trauma and improve muscle tone.
