Those who are pregnant are in the at-risk group for coronavirus and have been advised to limit their social contact as much as possible for the foreseeable.
We know that this must be a worrying time if you are an expecting mum, but there are things you can do at home to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Physiotherapist and Women’s Health Lead at Ascenti, Kirsty Lee shares five tips for pregnancy during self-isolation.
1. Perform light daily exercise
Looking after your physical health during pregnancy is important to help keep you mobile.
Many women will continue with their normal exercise routines and/or hobbies until the third trimester. However due to gym closures finding ways to keep up with fitness may be challenging and uninspiring.
However, there is so much you can find online and at a click of a button you have your own fitness instructor in your living room.
There are lots of great free YouTube channels for pregnancy yoga and pilates classes. They can last from 10 minutes to an hour and can be performed daily, giving you a wellbeing boost in a safe environment.
Avoid any high impact HIIT classes or circuit training, especially if you are in the second or third trimester of your pregnancy.
2. Look after your mental health
Pregnancy can be an extremely stressful time regardless of the extra pressures of coronavirus and being apart from loved ones.
Performing daily tasks such as mindfulness, writing gratitude lists, following relaxation videos and deep breathing exercises will help relieve the stress and anxiety you may be feeling.
You can take our stress test by clicking here and find more tips for dealing with stress.
3. Prepare for your new arrival
Nesting is a normal part of pregnancy, but most women don’t always have the time to do this as some can continue to work up until they are 39 weeks pregnant.
Although you may be working from home, use your time in the evenings and weekends to prepare for your baby’s arrival.
Set yourself little tasks to do daily such as organising your hospital bag, baby clothes and nursery. This will allow you to focus on the positive and will keep you busy.
4. Sleep well
Make sure you listen to your body and get the rest you need.
Try to relax before bed and stick to a regular routine as this will encourage good sleep hygiene.
Read our tips for a restorative night’s sleep by clicking here.
5. Get online physio advice
If you are struggling with aches and pains throughout your pregnancy at home, you can book an online physio appointment with an Ascenti physiotherapist for only £40 for a half hour session.
They will be able to talk through with you how you are feeling and set you exercises and stretches to follow in the comfort of your home through our free exercise and rehabilitation Ascenti Physio app.
