Why Exercising During Pregnancy Is Essential

Many women think that exercise during pregnancy is dangerous, in actual fact it is essential to yours and your baby’s well being. Of course, many of us exercise without realizing it, walking, going up and down stairs, lifting etc, so we do not think about the positive affect this has. Now that we understand exercise during pregnancy is a good thing, we should start to do more of it.

If you’re still unsure about exercise during pregnancy and how much you should do, it is probably best to visit a medical doctor or speak with your mid wife. If you’re not used to exercise at all, suddenly starting to exercise during pregnancy maybe counter productive.

The best think to do is to start slowly, set yourself a small target and try to reach that target. This could be as simple as walking to your local store twice a week, or a power walk on the treadmill at your local gym. You’re more in tune with your own body and what you think it requires to prepare itself for the months ahead.

Popular forms of exercise during pregnancy are:

• Walking
• Yoga
• Stretching
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Cycle machine

When taking part in exercise during pregnancy, it is important not to overdo it, or risk your unborn baby in anyway. This is why it is important to choose exercises or activities that are safe, like the ones listed above.

The benefits of exercise during pregnancy are similar to exercise when you are not pregnant. However specific benefits include:

• Helps to reduce the affect of fatigue and tiredness. This is especially true during the first trimester. If you have experienced the early symptoms of pregnancy, try a little more exercise.
  
  
• Helps to strengthen specific muscles. As your body grows and changes in preparation for carrying the baby, you will be glad of strengthened muscles, especially the lower back area.
  
  
• Moderate exercise during pregnancy can reduce the overall fat gain by transforming it to muscle.
  
  
• Exercise during pregnancy has been proven to release stress and promote a healthier nights sleep. Both important for ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
  
  
• Again, it has been proven the fitter and more healthy woman experience less pain during labor than those who are less fit or do not exercise.
  
  
• Those who exercise during pregnancy find it much easier to return to their pre pregnancy weight.

Remember, the overall objective of exercising during pregnancy is to increase your general health and well being and prepare your body for the rigors of the next few months. You’re not about to enter a long distance race or win any awards for endurance, you simply want to feel better, both body and mind.

So to recap, if you’re used to exercise even before you became pregnant, there’s no reason why you should not continue at the same level for a short while. You should then start to wind this in a bit and concentrate on specific exercises during pregnancy that will help you. If on the other hand, you are not used to exercise at all, we recommend you speak with a health professional to help create a routine suitable for your specific needs.

Read more of our articles on exercise during pregnancy

Preparing Yourself for the Journey With Exercise During Pregnancy
The Main Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Exercise
Exercise for Pregnant Women
Exercise for Pregnant Women Part 2
Exercising While Pregnant