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Posts Tagged ‘vigorous exercise’

Leg Cramps Treatment.

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Hamstring Stretch (back of thigh): Sit on a chair with a footstool in front of you omnicef price . Place your left foot flat on the floor and your right heel on the footstool so that the right leg is fully extended and your toes point to the ceiling tranexamic acid in gi bleed . Flex your right
foot, drawing the toes back towardyour body clomid making period late . With your backstraight
hips and reach toward your right toes lovegra . Take a full second to reach toward your toes and a full second to return to the starting point discount pet rx medicine clindamycin . Repeat about 15 times zoloft sponsor nascar . Repeat with your left hamstring buy viagra online netscape com . For a static stretch, reach toward your toes as far as is comfortable and without pain implant birth control norplant . Hold for 15 seconds, repeat three more times on each leg vitamin b12 and metformin .
Active Quadriceps and Shin Stretch (front of thigh and shin): Hold on to a chair or table for support counsel on salmeterol . Stand erect without leaning forward no prescription advair diskus . Bending one leg at the knee, curl your heel behind you toward your buttocks ciprofloxacin uses . Take 1 second to curl your leg behind and 1 second to return your leg to the straight position metformin advantages . Repeat about 15 times on each leg side effects topamax permenant .
Static Quadriceps and Shin Stretch: Stand close behind a sturdy chair that allows you to stand tall without leaning forward better than zoloft . Place a second chair with a seat that is no higher than your knee about a foot behind you swine omeprazole . Bend your right leg at the knee and place the top of your right foot on the seat of the chair behind you viagra free sites results . Your right knee should be directly under or slightly behind your hip steroids prednisone . Gently press the top of your right foot down against the chair to stretch the entire front of the leg antiemetic metoclopramide . The knee of the supporting leg should have a slight bend in it mechanism of caffeine on inducing lipolysis . Hold for four sets of 15 seconds, or a total of 1 minute antidepressant lamotrigine . Repeat with left leg procyclidine onset peak duration .
Other exercises may also be useful in helping to stretch muscles that tend to cramp testosterone replacement therapy patch women . Some people use a stair step to stretch the back of the leg zoloft side effects dry skin . Stand close to the edge of the step with the ball of one of your feet and drop your heel below the level of the step to stretch out the leg plantronics blue tooth 340 lithium battery .
I am often bothered with foot cramps that are annoying and uncomfortable at night and during dance class what lithium looks like . A physical therapist friend suggested a small rubber ball, about the size of a tennis ball paroxetine cod . I put it on the floor and roll each foot on it firmly, especially the arch and ball of the foot, to prevent the cramps amoxicillin dosage kittens .
Minerals
Over the years our readers have offered us dozens of suggestions for preventing nighttime leg cramps marlin prilosec sterling . Many of them involve minerals what does robaxin feel like . Some people swear by potassium cymbalta phentermine . Others are mhusiamie about calcium cats itchy skin prednisone dosage . Another contingent insists that magnesium is the magic mineral medic alert bracelet and coumadin . There’s no way to predict which mineral (or combination) will work best for you, so experiment until you find the right approach class of drug is primidone .
Before you start popping pills, though, why not start with food? Eight ounces of low-sodium V8 vegetable juice provide 840 milligrams of potassium at only 50 calories gen ranitidine ranitidine hcl .
For many years I was plagued with severe muscle cramps, usually in the middle of the night Several months ago one of your readers suggested low-sodium V8 juice, noting that it has more potassium and fewer calories than bananas withdrawal symptoms from verapamil .
I decided to try it and began drinking 8 ounces daily, In 4 months I have not had a single muscle cramp piroxicam for dogs to treat cancer . Quite a relief, to say the least! I heartily recommend it to anyone who has nighttime leg cramps lithium ion data sheet samsung .
Other foods that are rich in potassium include vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, mushrooms, spinach, squash, and tomatoes pay pal buy nexium . A banana has about 400 milligrams of potassium, and so does a medium-size sweet potato claritin and blood pressure . Other fruits packed with potassium include apricots, blackberries, cantaloupe and other melons, nectarines, oranges, peaches, plums, pomegranates raspberries, and strawberries is celebrex a teratogen . Fish is generally rich in potassium, and many flavorings, such as ginger, onions, paprika, parsley, and red pepper, also contribute potassium to the diet scleroderma clindamycin . So do chicken and pork fosamax and gerd . Don’t forget molasses, especially blackstrap molasses, which has about 500 milligrams in a tablespoon does prozac cause selfishness . The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has determined that for adults, 4,700 milligrams of potassium a day is adequate diflucan mexico .712
A word of warning patents loratadine .- Potassium can interact with many prescription drugs, particularly blood pressure medications wellbutrin verses paxil . Quite a few of these medications could boost the potassium level dangerously if a person on one of these drugs also took a potassium pill or used a potassium chloride salt substitute xyzal compare to zyrtec . Older people and those with reduced kidney function might be especially vul-
**** Magnesium
This essential mineral may help with cramps and main other 1pti3bti8M-t what invented the soma cubes . ag well the uses for paxil medication . Usual dose: 300 to 500 milligrams at bedtime—some people report it is gently sedating diovan yeast .
Downside: May cause diarrhea discount pet medication amitriptyline hci . Not for those with kidney failure rimonabant vietnam .
Cost: Approximately $4 for 100 pills, or about a 3-month sup-
ply tacrolimus ointment over counter .
nerable vantin and esbl . Too much potassium can lead to cardiac arrest, so be wary if you are taking any of the following: benazepril
moexipril
(Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), spironolactone
Maxzide), trandolapril (Mavik), or valsartan (Diovan) diflucan duration .
Magnesium is another mineral that is frequently overlooked and in short supply in the diet buspar and substance abuse . People on diuretics may be especially low in this crucial nutrient health net viagra non-formulary cost . Not only is magnesium essential for normal muscular contraction, it also plays a crucial role in heart health, blood pressure control, and hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body captopril time to lower hypertension . It also helps reduce the risk of kidney stone formation enzyme immunoassay celecoxib .
People have been using magnesium for decades (as milk of magnesia) to counteract constipation amoxicillin causes liver . The normal dose ranges between 300 and 500 milligrams daily dosage for lexapro . One study demonstrated moderate effectiveness in battling nighttime leg cramps at 300 milligrams” Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to leg cramps adderall aciphex zoloft heartburn . Another study concluded that “magnesium supplementation seems to be a valuable therapeutic tool in the treatment of pregnancy-related leg cramps maxolon side effects .”"‘ Be aware that too much can cause diarrhea, and people with kidney problems should take magnesium only under medical supervision hair loss and cymbalta .
Some people are equally enthusiastic about calcium for preventing leg cramps panasonic br2330 lithium cell . The research that has been done on this remedy has been equivocal lithium manganese oxide . In one study, pregnant women with nighttime leg cramps were given calcium supplements or vitamin C as a “control paroxetine brain zapps .” Since there is no evidence that vitamin C can reduce leg cramps, it seemed that the difference between the two groups would be readily apparent if calcium worked well nasal decongestant risperdal . Both groups did equally well, however, suggesting that
715
calcium really didn’t make much difference ipratropium bromide long acting . A systematic review of the research on calcium for nocturnal leg cramps concluded that the evidence for its effectiveness is weak, at least in pregnant women how amoxicillin is produced . The reviewers found more support for supplemental magnesium tofranil pm for fibromyalgia . 716
One way to get extra minerals is with a special pediatric formulation called Pedialyte avandia problems . It was developed to “quickly replace fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea and vomiting to help prevent dehydration in infants and children quitting effexor weight .” Pe-Pedialyte
This rehydration solution for babies and children provides a balance of electrolytes that may help adults avoid muscle cramps trazodone and lung problems . Drinking about 4 ounces after exercising should help,
Downside: Somewhat expensive
Cost: Approximately $8 for a liter, or about $1 per “dose”
diatricians frequently recommend this ready-to-use liquid for sick children instead of juice or other beverages effect of clomid on progesterone . Ingredients include water, dextrose, potassium citrate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and citric acid zyprexa anorexia . Pedialyte is sold in drugstores and supermarkets in the baby section cyclosporine lipid emulsion . One athlete offered an amazing testimonial for its benefits against leg cramps coumadin interaction with foods and vitamins .
I have experienced a fair amount of cramping in my legs at night after I play tennis man dies from viagra overdose . The cramps occur more during the hot summer months when I perspire more melatonin while on zoloft .
I tried a lot of the sports drinks, but they didn’t seem to help with the cramping methotrexate ectopic . Someone suggested that I either eat bananas or drink tomato juice doxazosin mesylate msds . Unfortunately for me, I don’t like either food blood cozaar pressure .
I was told that the cramping was due to a loss of potassium in the body hsv i treating with valtrex . An assistant tennis pro suggested I try drinking the infant solution called Pedialyte rimonabant indication confusion . I thought that was a crazy idea, but I tried it because I didn’t like waking at midnight with a leg cramp depot provera pregnancy . To my surprise, the Pedialyte has worked like a charm and has eliminated my cramping micronase diabeta .
Pedialyte has one other unexpected benefit I usually play singles tennis, and I am usually pretty worn out after / play order viagra without prescription . Like a lot of people my age, my middle-aged body is usually pretty darn sore after playing, particularly the next day national geographic caffeine . Like everyone else, I take Morin for sore muscles phenergan injection adverse reaction . The Pedia(yte has substantially reduced The Soreness that I experience, and I don’t need to take Motrin the next day n1 3 lithium battery tester 3v .
B Vitamins
B vitamins have become the superheroes of nutrients cefuroxime axetil and symptom relief . Not only do compounds like folic acid, B6, and B12 have cardiovascular benefits, folic acid and niacin may help reduce the risk A combination of B vitamins may reduce nighttime leg cramps relicore zantac dieting combo . Keep the dose of vitamin B trileptal withdrawal how to .,below 100 milligrams per day to avoid nerve damage from long-term use cocaine and lexapro .
Downside: The B-complex formulas available are not specifically designed to prevent leg cramps generic viagra available .
Cost: Approximately $11 for 100 tablets, or a 3-month supply
of Alzheimer’s disease paroxetine and 5ht . One study from Taipei offers evidence that a B-complex vitamin formulation can reduce nighttime leg cramps tranny taking viagra . “After 3 months caffeine drinks . 86 percent of the patients taking vitamin B had prominent remission of leg cramps, whereas those taking placebo had no significant difference from baseline,”71 reported the study’s authors lipitor zocor news . This study used a formulation that is not available in the United States fosamax d generic . It contained vitamins B, (50 milligrams), B, ~5 milligrams), B6 (30 milligrams), and BIZ (250 micrograms) fda topamax warning .7 8
My husband has suffered horrible leg cramps at night all his life kidney infection and ibuprofen . He would writhe in pain amiodarone blood levels .
/ read that 8 vitamins might help uk imitrex . He now takes multiple B-100s every day and has no leg cramps naproxen and nursing babies .
We found a “dose-response curve caffeine makes me panic now .” With B-50s, he’d still have cramps, but they were less severe toradol and orange urine . With B-75s, he wouldn’t have cramps, just twinges in his legs ultram the medicine . At the 100 level, he has not even a twinge how to make prednisone .
A B-complex with 100 milligrams of vitamin B6 may be too much zetia buyback . We worry that regular consumption of th, s nutrient may lead to nerve damage lamisil side effects for women . Anyone who contemplates taking, more than 50 milligrams of vitamin B, should be under medical supervision synthroid phentramine .
Quinine
If you tell your physician that you suffer from frequent leg cramps at night, you may be offered a prescription for quinine depakote with tramadol . This botanical medicine (derived from the bark of a South American tree) has been used against malaria since a monk
B Vitamins sent a sample to Spain in 1633 avapro with dieuretic . (At that time, the diagnosis was probably “fever” or “the ague” rather than malaria gi lithium batteries .)
Doctors began using quinine against leg cramps in 1940 experience with lexapro . Despite this long history, there is still some controversy over whether its effectiveness outweighs the risks of side effects 19 In the 1990s, the FDA determined that the possibility of a susceptible individual experiencing a life-threatening blood reaction (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP) was just too great cheapest diflucan online w o prescription . OTC sale was banned home coumadin testing . Now the FDA has forbidden doctors to prescribe quinine for leg cramps rifampicin isoniazid pyrazinamide ethambutol . One reader reported that a single glass of tonic water (which contains quinine) put her in the hospital with an almost fatal anemia flomax dosages .
It is hard to predict ahead of time whether a person might react to quinine by developing severe anemia erythromycin resistance peptide . Pregnant women should stay completely clear of quinine (even though they may suffer leg cramps) because it could cause birth defects and induce premature labor about penicillin capsules . Other side effects from quinine include ringing in the ears, rash, changes in color vision, headache, nausea, diarrhea, liver damage, low blood sugar, life-threatening anemia (ITP), vomiting, and trouble breathing prescribed premarin . Anyone experiencing such symptoms should get medical attention promptly meloxicam tab .
The amount of quinine in tonic water may vary from one brand to another discount digoxin . Some brands contain as much as 80 milligrams in a quart of tonic pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablets canada . The dose that proved effective in preventing muscle cramps in one placebo-controlled study was 400 milligrams cialis tadalafil cialis tadafil tal .720 That suggests that a person would have to drink more than a gallon to get an effect, but many readers report that they notice a benefit from one or two glasses of tonic why hairloss with zetia . The
* Quinine
This traditional prescription for leg cramps is probably effective zocor causes ed . One or two glasses of tonic water may contain enough gui(xi(
Downside: Tinnitus (ringing in ears), rash, changes in color vision, headache, nausea, diarrhea, liver damage, low blood sugar, life-threatening anemia (ITP), vomiting, and trouble breathing are possible reactions atomic model of lithium .
Cost: Approximately $65 in the United States for 100 pills or $33 from a Canadian pharmacy prescription dose used to be 260 to 300 milligrams-, older people should generally start with a’lower dose warfarin graph .
I used to take quinine, but then it became unavailable over the counter My doctor recommended that I drink a glass of Schweppes Tonic Water lasix diabetes . It has enough quinine that it might help long terra omeprazole .
I tried it and it works methanphetamine ephedrine or pseudoephedrine . I have recommended this to others bothered with cramps after exercising, and they have been pleased procardia sr .
One word of caution is probably unnecessary triamcinolone .1 . Even though some people are accustomed to putting gin in their tonic water, the alcohol does nothing to prevent leg cramps resonance caffeine . If it is taken shortly before bedtime, alcohol can disrupt sleep—the last thing a sufferer wants swelling that is helped by prednisone .
Conclusions
Health care professionals generally consider leg cramps more of a nuisance than a serious health problem free live online zoloft help . Nonetheless, anyone who suffers from nighttime leg cramps knows that they can disrupt sleep, and that can eventually have consequences for health as well as mood is prazosin compatable with prozac . Finding the remedy that suits you best may require some trial and error increase free testosterone females . Don’t be afraid of the home remedies: They may seem silly, but since the only prescription treatment, quinine, can have such serious adverse effects, we think they are worth considering teva pantoprazole december .
I had terrible leg cramps, and nothing helped prozac action . Then my husband got some liquid calcium, and that worked immediately olympus li 10b lithium batteries . I have not had another leg cramp women’s international testosterone .
He decided to try mustard for leg cramps, but he still had leg cramps and really did not savor the mustard cat soma . He decided to try turmeric, an ingredient in mustard lithium batteries for electric automobiles . He took’/, teaspoon at bedtime and ‘/;, teaspoon at breakfast xenical side efftects . BINGO! This worked great price of prevacid . Not only did it cure his leg cramps, but it also eased the pain in his hip and feet
He recommended I try it for my awful loot problems valtrex capl . It felt like an ice pick was stuck in the ball of my foot As soon as I started taking the turmeric, I had no more pain ephedrine caffeine stack . I can now wear my lovely high-heeled shoes on Sunday without suffering celebrex qoclick .
e Ibck a bar of ordinary soap under the bottom sheet when you make the bed tricor side . It should be near your legs, and may need to be replaced every 6 weeks or so buying generic zoloft . We don’t know why it would prevent leg cramps, but many readers report success—and we know of no side effects naproxen and methylprednisolone .
• Swallow a teaspoonful of yellow mustard—the inexpensive kind sometimes dispensed in individual packets cyclosporine ointment . We think it may be the turmeric in the mustard that helps lexapro peak . This remedy can work very quickly, though some readers have reported heartburn as a result wellbutrin xl prozac weight loss .
• Sip about an ounce of pickle juice medroxyprogesterone acetate anorexia . Some pickles may contain turmeric, so perhaps that explains why this helps some people fight off muscle cramps so quickly procardia sr . Or, it may provide some missing minerals salbutamol inhaler medication information . Pickle juice is high in sodium, so this home remedy is not for anyone on a low-sodium diet buy viagra on line .
• Baking soda, ‘44 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water, is reputed to fight painful leg cramps quickly prozac video for dogs . Baking soda contains sodium, so it is not for anyone on a low-salt regimen viagra sports .
• Pinch your upper lip firmly between your thumb and forefinger until the cramp eases veterinary ranitidine pricing . This may have the effect of providing a distracting pain that is under your control testosterone injections chronic fatigue . Many readers claim it is helpful, although we have not been impressed information lipitor prescribing .
• Stretch leg muscles for several minutes before bedtime toprol xl 50 mg .
• Consume plenty of potassium-rich vegetables, especially low-sodium V8 juice doctors give shots of penicillin . Increasing potassium intake seems to help prevent leg cramps hydrid technologies lithium power .
• Take a supplement of 300 to 500 milligrams of magnesium a day atacand picture . Reduce the dose if this gives’you diarrhea viagra gif . Avoid magnesium if you have kidney disease can i take accutane and bactrim .
• Try 4 ounces of Pedialyte after vigorous exercise to replenish minerals and prevent muscle cramps decadron vs prednisone .
• Consider B-complex vitamins to prevent cramps oxycoton compared to tramadol . Keep the dose of vitamin B,, under 100 milligrams per day to avoid nerve damage cialis patent expiration wikipedia .
• Ask your doctor about quinine beers effect on levitra . it is available by prescription (or at low doses in some brands of tonic water) how long before wellbutrin kicks in . Severe side effects are uncommon but may be life-threatening, especially a blood disorder called ITP carafate suspension pets .

Being Active during Pregnancy. FAQs.

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Keeping active in pregnancy
I regularly go to the gym. I’ve just found out I’m pregnant -can I still go?

Many forms of exercise are safe during pregnancy Regular exercise keeps you fit and healthy, so if you currently exercise then it’s fine to carry on as before Although you can continue to take part in most activities during the first trimester of your pregnancy, you may need to stop more vigorous exercise as your pregnancy continues Do tell your fitness instructor that you are pregnant, so they can tailor your programme accordingly — pregnancy is not the time to break records or go for personal best! Ideal exercise gets your heart pumping, keeps you supple, manages weight gain, and prepares your muscles for the hard work of labour and delivery without causing undue physical stress for you or your baby.
Benefits of exercise
why you should aim to stay fit in pregnancy

There is no doubt that exercising during pregnancy offers numerous benefits to both mother and baby.
* Regular exercise increases flexibility and suppleness, which will benefit you in labour, * Aerobic exercise, such as swimming, increases stamina, improving blood circulation and preparing you for labour. * Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, helping you to relax and lifting your mood
•    Exercise keeps backache at bay.
•    An exercise regime will help you to recover more quickly after the birth
Being active during your pregnancy can also reduce the physical discomforts of backache, constipation, fatigue, and swelling, as well as improve your mood and even help you to sleep more soundly. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) states that weight-bearing exercise in pregnancy can reduce the length of labour and may decrease delivery complications. So continue if you can.
Other forms of exercise recommended in pregnancy include swimming, walking, aquanatal classes, yoga, and pilates, as these are not high impact so are less likely to injure your joints.
What’s the best type of exercise during the third trimester?
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and can be maintained safely throughout pregnancy
It improves circulation, increases muscle tone and strength, builds endurance, and is favoured in late pregnancy as it makes you feel almost weightless. Many women find aquanatal classes enjoyable
exercising while standing in water is gentle on the joints and helps reduce swelling in the legs, common in late pregnancy Aquanatal classes may be run either by a local midwife or by an exercise teacher trained to teach pregnant women.
Walking is a good form of exercise for this later stage of pregnancy as it keeps you fit without jarring your knees and ankles. Take some water to drink to avoid dehydration Yoga and pilates are good if you can find a registered practitioner experienced in dealing with pregnant women. Yoga teaches breathing and relaxation techniques that can help with the demands of labour and birth. Many pilates exercises are done in a ”hands and knees” position, which is ideal for pregnancy as it takes stress off the back and pelvis and, towards the end of pregnancy, can help to position your baby ready for delivery.

I’ve had a previous miscarriage - should I avoid all kinds of exercise?
Many doctors feel that it is best to avoid all but the gentlest forms of exercise in the first 12-16 weeks of pregnancy if you have had two or more miscarriages, or have had vaginal bleeding during this pregnancy
I’m not terribly fit, but would like to start an exercise regime - any advice?
If you are unused to exercise, then moderate activities, such as walking and swimming, would probably be best for you and beneficial for your baby, whereas starting a new competitive sport or vigorous exercise programme would not be ideal Your body is already undergoing huge changes with your heart, lungs, kidneys, and virtually every other major body organ beginning to work much harder. Also, the pregnancy hormones progesterone and relaxin are softening the muscles and ligaments, so soft tissue injuries, back injuries, and abdominal strain become more likely, especially if you haven’t exercised much before. Contact sports, vigorous team sports, and activities like diving and gymnastics carry the further risk of direct injury to your abdomen and uterus - especially as your uterus grows and rises out of your pelvis.
Is it safe to go jogging when you’re pregnant?
Exercise is recommended in pregnancy to improve your circulation and energy levels, boost the immune system, and increase your stamina for labour. Although low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, and gentle toning and stretching, are ideal, if you are used to jogging and your pregnancy is straightforward, it is fine to continue in pregnancy. However, it is not advisable to take up jogging for the first time now, particularly as there is a risk of falling and hurting your abdomen, and you should avoid jogging if you have a high-risk or multiple pregnancy Other sports and exercises to avoid include gymnastics, horse riding, skiing, and squash.

When should I start doing pelvic floor exercises?
Pelvic floor exercises (see above) can be started at any stage of your pregnancy, but the earlier you start them the better These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor, which is the network of muscles that support the bladder, womb, and bowel. Strengthening these muscles helps to reduce the risk of leaking urine while coughing or sneezing, known as stress incontinence It is important that you know how to do these exercises and practise them regularly throughout your pregnancy
As well as practising the exercises shown above, another way to exercise your pelvic floor muscles is by inserting a finger into your vagina and tightening the muscles around it.

I’m very desk-bound in my job - is it dangerous to sit for long periods of time?
During pregnancy, your circulation slows down and if you sit for long periods of time with the lower leg vertical, it can make it hard for blood to travel upwards. Although this may increase the risk of a blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), sitting for long periods in itself is unlikely to cause a clot Your degree of risk also depends on your level of activity at other times. Exercise is the best way to minimize the risk of a blood clot and taking a brisk daily walk is ideal as it exercises your legs. There are also simple measures you can take while at work to reduce the risk of developing a clot. Try ankle movements every hour, get up and walk around every 3-4 hours, take the stairs rather than the lift, and walk over to see a colleague rather than email.
If you are especially concerned, talk to your midwife or doctor about wearing special stockings that are designed to improve circulation However, it is important that you get the right size, as stockings that are too tight can add to the problem.

I’ve been getting lower back pain - could it be due to bad posture? I’m eight months pregnant.
In a recent review of current research, more than two thirds of pregnant women reported back pain. This pain increased with advancing pregnancy interfering with work, daily activities, and sleep. Lower back pain is caused by the forward pull of the growing abdomen, so as your baby increases in size and gestation, the strain on your back is greater So although bad posture may not be the sole cause adopting a good posture is important to reduce the strain Gentle exercise also helps to reduce the pain, and water aerobics is particularly beneficial.
Some women use a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine in late pregnancy (see p.175), which helps to block the pain nerve impulses to the brain and stimulates the release of natural painkillers called endorphins. Other tips for lower back pain include a warm hand massage using a base oil a warm deep bath, and using cushions to support you when relaxing and in bed
I’m seven months’ pregnant now and quite big. Should I adapt my swimming style?
You may find that as you get very large towards the end of pregnancy, you need to alternate your swimming style to find the one that is most comfortable for you. Apart from this, a low-impact activity like swimming is ideal as the water provides resistance, there is a low risk of injury and the mass of water relieves pressure on the abdomen and helps to ease lower back pain.
My midwife is running aquanatal classes at our local pool - are they safe?
Yes, low-impact activities such as aquanatal classes are fine in pregnancy. You are fortunate to have this facility as not all areas are able to provide classes. The trainer or midwife conducting the sessions
should be able to advise you about the range of movement recommended to minimize any risk.

We love going clubbing; will the loud music be OK for my baby?
There is evidence to suggest that babies can hear
in the womb from about 16-20 weeks. However, your baby is protected by the amniotic fluid surrounding him, so most noises do not affect him. The ears of a fetus are often full of a protective greasy coating produced by the skin, known as vernix, so external loud noises would be muffled by the time they reach your baby. Your baby is most likely to respond to your reaction to loud music rather than the music itself
There is a study that suggests that constant or regular exposure to noise can increase the risk of a small-for-dates baby, meaning your baby’s growth is smaller than expected for his gestation. However, it is more likely that it is the environment and its effect on the mother that contributes to the baby’s weight rather than the actual noise. Too much clubbing may mean you are getting too little rest and you may be drinking more alcohol than you should. You should
probably consider whether you are getting enough quality rest and ensure that you are reducing or stopping your alcohol intake, as this is more harmful to your baby than loud music.
We like walking, but should I cut down on the number of miles now that I’m pregnant?
Walking is ideal in pregnancy as it is low-impact exercise and can be maintained throughout your pregnancy If you plan to continue lengthy walks and like to walk briskly, try combining this with a slower, more leisurely pace. It’s important to control your body temperature so that you don’t overheat and feel uncomfortable To do this, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and wear layers that you can take on and off as required. As your tummy grows, you may find hill climbing causes physical instability, as may trekking over uneven terrain, so stick to more level paths. If you find yourself getting breathless, take frequent breaks.

Antenatal yoga
Practising yoga in pregnancy is hugely beneficial. As well as strengthening and toning muscles, which will help you in labour and birth, yoga aims to bring about a greater awareness of your breathing rhythms, providing a perfect relaxation tool in pregnancy and preparing you to breathe through the contractions. Find an accredited teacher experienced in teaching pregnant women or attend an antenatal class.

Exercise in late pregnancy
adapting your routine to suit your changing needs
Towards the end of pregnancy, you will inevitably slow down, but you may not want to stop altogether! There are sensible ways to modify your exercise regime to ensure you stay safe and fit. * In later pregnancy, avoid exercises that involve sudden movement, such as tennis, as your balance is less steady now. * Swimming is perfect in late pregnancy and aids relaxation.You may need to modify your stroke and enjoy more floating. * Reduce the intensity and length of your workout to avoid exhaustion.

Pelvic floor exercises Strengthening the muscles that support pelvic organs
Learning how to exercise your pelvic floor muscles is vital in pregnancy to help you avoid stress incontinence (leaking urine). This discreet exercise can be practised any time. Pelvic floor exercises involve squeezing your buttocks in and pulling in your tummy muscles, then holding for 5 seconds and releasing. Repeat this 5-6 times several times a day. You could imagine your pelvic floor going up like a lift, contracting your muscles a little more at each floor.

Safe exercise
Taking care in pregancy
Although exercise is highly recommended during pregnancy, this is a time when you may have to moderate your usual programme, especially as you get bigger, and avoid types of exercise or situations that may put you or your baby at risk.
What safety precautions should I take? If you are taking up exercise during pregnancy, be sensible about which type of exercise you choose. Avoid any type of exercise that is too strenuous and opt for low-impact activities, such as walking and swimming. Always do warm-up stretches before exercising and build up your stamina and fitness gradually. This is especially important as hormones in pregnancy relax joints and ligaments
in preparation for labour (see opposite), which means that you are more susceptible to injury. Avoid exercising in very hot conditions as this may be harmful to the baby; in hot months, exercise early in the morning or indoors Also, avoid exercising near traffic as you are more likely to be affected by pollution while exercising. Your centre of gravity changes in pregnancy, so avoid high-impact, fast-moving sports, such as tennis.
Should I stop exercising at any time?You should stop exercising straight away if you feel dizzy or short of breath; if you feel that you are overheating; if you are experiencing pain in your back or pelvis; or if you feel exhausted.