Home » Having Twins? Important Exercise Advice

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Exercise can make the difference between a healthy twin pregnancy or a draining one, and betwe en an easy birth or a hard one.  If you are fit during your pregnancy, you will bounce back more quickly afterwards.  Often, you can maintain any fitness activities you did before pregnancy through most of the nine months, although you might have to make some adjustments, especially when expecting twins. 

On the other hand, if you are out of shape already when you find you are expecting twins, it is not the time to embark on a heavy-duty program of physical activity!  Do get out for a walk every day, but don't push yourself too hard on distance or speed.  Build up gradually.  Even just a moderately paced mile a day can help your energy and outlook. 

Take time for stretching and relaxing exercises.  Pregnancy is a time when there are a lot of things you could worry about, but it is also a time for sorting out feelings and contemplating what is really important in life.  Exercises like yoga and deep breathing are good for reducing worry as well as for preparing the body for birth. 

One exercise that is particularly useful during a twin pregnancy is the "cat stretch". It's a great exercise for relaxing the whole body, as well as stretching the lower back muscles.

To do a cat stretch, Kneel down on the floor on your hands and knees. Then arch your back up, and then down. If you've ever seen a cat stretching, then you'll know what to do. 

Move slowly and take deep breaths. You should feel your back muscles loosen up, and relax.

Exercise is important for everyone, but particularly important to anyone having twins. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercises, but please, make sure you do some exercise of some form! Your pregnancy will go a lot easier, and it will benefit you, and both your twins.

Peta Fletcher has written a book, with everything you need to know about being a parent of twins. It contains 10 interviews with twin parents, and is useful and inspirational.

Find out more at:http://www.twins-guide.com