Only few decades ago, doctors and obstetrician would advise their patients to not to jump, run or even walk. However in the recent past several studies have emerged that show how important it is for pregnant women to exercise. Today increasingly doctors, obstetrician and health and fitness experts encourage healthy pregnant women to continue a modified workout program that prepares their body to handle the demands of labour and caring for a newborn baby. Therefore this week in Mom’s Land, we are addressing the benefits of exercising during pregnancy.
If in case you have never exercised before, you stand greater chance to benefit from regular exercise during pregnancy and beyond. Researchers are not only discovering more and more ways that parental exercise is benefiting expectant women, but also their growing baby.
Benefits of exercising during pregnancy:
Improves your energy
Pregnancy can sap your energy. But a daily dose of exercise can help you cope with your demanding schedule. Since exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, you don’t get tired as easily. When your muscles are well toned, you also have to make less effort to do things or engage in any activities such as shopping, grocery or sitting through the meeting at office.
Reduces pregnancy discomfort
Regular exercise will stretch and strengthen your muscles and help your body cope better with the aches and pains of pregnancy. Stretching also eases back pain, while walking improves your blood circulation.
Exercise prepares your body for childbirth
The healthier and stronger you are the better your body will be prepared to handle labor and delivery time. Giving birth is like running a marathon that demands strong focus, determination and stamina. Studies show that exercise helps ease labor and even shortens the time it takes to deliver your baby.
Exercise will help your body get back faster after childbirth
If you are extra conscious about your self-image, this alone should be a great motivation factor for you. If you have maintained your strength and well toned muscles throughout the pregnancy, your body will find it easier to bounce back after you give birth. You will also be less likely to gain surplus weight if you exercise during the pregnancy.
Reduces stress
Being pregnant and giving birth is a life changing experience. The momentous experience can leave you feeling ecstatic, anxious and overwhelmed, all at the same time. Exercise boosts the level of serotonin, which is a brain chemical linked to enhancing mood and making you feel better.
This is only a short list of benefits that you derive from exercising while pregnant. Apart from these, there are many more benefits to exercising while pregnant. However you should be extra careful while exercising during pregnancy to keep yourself and your baby safe. You should never exercise that leaves you puffing and panting. Your growing baby needs oxygen and this can put your baby at risk. Moreover you should consult your doctors, obstetrician or a health care professional and take their suggestion/opinion before you try any exercise.
