Exercise Is Important During Pregnancy & Here’s Why
Exercising is known to be beneficial for removing toxins from the body, maintaining vital body functions, and most importantly, developing a healthier lifestyle. While pregnancy can often be challenging and strenuous, one must not sideline the many benefits of exercise and what a little bit of physical activity can do for the mother and child!
Apart from improving body posture, and helping with body image issues that may develop during pregnancy, there are plenty more benefits that regular exercise can give for pregnant moms.
This article discusses the pros of exercising during pregnancy, the impact it has on the mother & child, and the do’s and don’ts to follow.
WHY SHOULD YOU EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY?
A mother undergoes various physical, emotional and psychological changes during pregnancy. Exercise helps the mother as well as the developing child to overcome different types of stress during this phase. Exercises help in the following ways:
- Reduces backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling.
- Boosts mood, and energy levels.
- Helps in deep and relaxing sleeping cycles.
- Prevents excess weight gain.
- Promotes muscle toning, strength and endurance.
- A lower risk of gestational diabetes.
- Shortened labor.
- A reduced risk of having a C-section.
GETTING THE GREEN SIGNAL FROM THE DOCTOR – THE CASES WHERE IT IS NOT ADVISED
Before starting with an exercise regime, it is very crucial to consult a doctor who can help to monitor the entire process. It would benefit the mother to go through the process without any complications. The doctor would advise the mother according to the medical history.
Exercise is not recommended in the following cases:
- Some form of heart and lung disease.
- Preeclampsia or high blood pressure that develops for the first time during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a type of high blood pressure some women get after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth. These conditions can increase your risk of having complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy).
- Cervical problems.
- Persistent vaginal bleeding during the 2nd or 3rd trimester.
- Placenta problems.
- Preterm labor during your current pregnancy.
- Premature rupture of the membranes.
- Severe anemia.
EXERCISES BENEFICIAL FOR THE MOTHER
For women exercising for the first time, pregnancy is the best time. After getting the green signal from the doctors. These are the exercises which are highly recommended.
- Walking – taking a brisk walk is a great way to work out without straining the muscles and joints.
- Swimming and water workouts – water supports the weight of the baby and moving against the water helps to keep the heart rate up. It’s also easy on the joints and muscles. It is also beneficial for women having lower back pains.
- Riding stationary bikes – This is safer than riding a regular bicycle during pregnancy.
- Yoga and pilates – The instructor would help to modify the exercise and help the mother to avoid postures which are unsafe for the mother, such as lying on the belly or lying flat on the back.
- Low impact aerobics – Examples of these include walking, riding a stationary bike or using an elliptical machine.
- Strength training – Strength training helps build muscle and makes the bones strong.
The attention to the needs of the body, especially during pregnancy, is very important for the mother to understand. Consulting the doctor during this scenario is the first step to know what can be safe and beneficial. Exercise not only provides strength to the body, but also makes it easier for the mother to overcome several health issues during pregnancy.
