Exercising During Pregnancy – Benefits, Exercises, When To Avoid It

Exercising during pregnancy offers benefits for most women and their unborn babies. Always check with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program while you are pregnant.

Experts usually recommend that pregnant women spend approximately one half hour each day exercising. That amount may be broken up into smaller increments, such as fifteen minutes in the morning and afternoon.

Health Benefits for Your Baby

A recent Canadian study has discovered that exercise during pregnancy may make your baby smarter. The researchers tested newborns of moms who exercised while pregnant and those who did not. More brain activity was noted among the babies whose mothers exercised. This led the researchers to conclude that exercise may give babies a head start on learning. While more research needs to be done, this could be a very important benefit of exercising while pregnant.

Heath Benefits for You

Exercise may improve your sense of wellbeing and vitality. You may feel more energetic. Exercise may help you to remain strong and toned. You will look better and be able to cope easier during labor. Exercise helps your entire body. It is good for your heart. This is especially important during pregnancy as your heart has to work harder while you are pregnant.

Exercise is a great form of preventative medicine which diminishes the likelihood of you developing some of the common discomforts which many pregnant women face. Exercise may help to relieve back pain, leg cramps, and constipation. It may even help to prevent complications of pregnancy such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Exercise is a great stress reliever; especially important during pregnancy as you cope with hormonal changes. If you exercise while pregnant, it will help you to regain your strength and figure after you give birth.

Types of Exercises

The most important kind of exercise is one that you enjoy doing. Walking, yoga, and swimming are all excellent as they work all of your muscle groups, do not put stress on the joints, and they consist of smooth movements.

If you walk, be sure to swing your arms to afford your upper body exercise as well.

Check with a yoga instructor or your health care provider if performing yoga, as there are poses which are especially beneficial for pregnant women. There are also poses which pregnant women should avoid performing.

Swimming provides support for your entire body.

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