Why should you exercise in pregnancy?
Symptoms of being pregnant can make you exhausted. If you are suffering from morning sickness, exercise is probably the last thing you’re thinking of.
Always make sure you speak to your family practitioner or midwife before starting an exercise regime while expecting.
Even a small amount of exercise during pregnancy can make you feel a bit better and more energized.
If you were accustomed to working out prior to being pregnant, it will be easier for you to adapt to exercise during your pregnancy.
If you were out of shape prior to conceiving, it may be a little more challenging. Even if you were not used to exercising prior to becoming pregnant, incorporating some form of exercise during your pregnancy will help improve your fitness level, increase your level of endurance and give you more muscle tone.
There are many exercises designed for pregnancy including pregnancy yoga classes, Pilates and even aqua natal fitness classes.
This will improve your pregnancy experience by making it a bit easier to carry the weight you will gain over the course of your pregnancy.
Labor and birth, place physical demands on your body and exercising will help prepare you for this.
After your baby is born, it will be much easier to get back into shape.
Reduce the chance of complications relating to pregnancy
Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy. It is a condition where women without a previous diagnosis of diabetes develop high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. It is most common in the third trimester and is caused when insulin receptors do not function properly. Gestational diabetes is a treatable condition and if you have control over your glucose levels you can decrease the risks. By exercising and eating healthy, you can help to control your blood sugar levels.
Pre-eclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure with significant amount of protein in the urine of a pregnant woman. You can help to reduce your risks by exercising during pregnancy.
Provide you with an increased level of energy
Pregnancy can take a toll on you especially in the first and last trimesters. During the first trimester, you may suffer from morning sickness. During the last trimester, you may find yourself having a hard time sleeping making you tired. Exercising routinely can boost your energy level, make your stronger and feel less tired. Just getting out for some fresh air and walking can make you feel better.
Combat the pregnancy blues
It is common for women to experience depression during pregnancy. Being pregnant is not always a positive time for every woman.
You can help improve your mood by exercising during your pregnancy. Exercise will alleviate feelings of depression, anxiety and may even give you better sense of comfort.
Getting out and exercising will also give you an opportunity to meet others. You may even be able to meet other expectant moms if there are local exercise classes tailored for moms-to-be.
Alleviate pregnancy aches
Pregnancy aches and pains are common. Your body is adapting to your growing baby belly and you are increasing weight quickly. A lot of changes are taking place in a relatively short period of time. Exercise and stretching can help improve your muscle tone, which in turn can help you cope better with the common pregnancy aches.
Many women complain of having a sore back while carrying their baby. Varicose veins are also a common pregnancy symptom. Help improve your circulation by going out in the sunshine for a walk, do light stretches to alleviate back aches and pain and find safe pregnancy exercises you can do to improve your muscles and help you carry the weight of your beautiful baby growing inside your belly.
Helps you to maintain a healthy weight
Gaining weight is normal during pregnancy; however, being active can throughout your pregnancy can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Help you have a more restful night’s sleep
You are carrying extra weight while carrying your baby in your belly. As your pregnancy progresses, you may find it difficult to find a comfortable position while sleeping. While there are pillows designed specifically for expectant moms, exercise may help you to receive a more restful night of sleep.
Prepare you for labor and delivery
If you want to be stronger and have more stamina and energy to cope with delivering your baby, exercise while being pregnant will help you. You need lots of energy and strength to give birth, so stay active while carrying your little one and this will prepare you for the hard work that lies ahead of you.
Aerobic exercise makes your heart and lungs stronger. Low impact aerobics, swimming and walking may even make your laboring time shorter and easier.
