Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy
How Physical Activity Provides for a Healthier Pregnancy
Oct 25, 2009
The benefits of exercise during pregnancy are numerous. Ensuring fitness and wellbeing during pregnancy goes a long way in keeping both the mother and baby healthy. Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle can make pregnancy more pleasant and feasible. Studies suggest that pregnant women gradually become less fit as the pregnancy progresses partly because of their weight gain. Keeping up with an exercise regimen can help to counteract this unhealthy trend.
There are many benefits of exercise during pregnancy. These include:
Better Sleep
Physical activity helps to provide a relaxed sleep that is important for both the mother and baby. Problems sleeping can be a result of stress and anxiety. Exercising regularly aids in reducing these uneasy feelings, ensuring a proper sleep. Sleeping soundly increases endurance, and helps to keep a person fresh and alert.
Relief from Constipation
This is an uncomfortable symptom of pregnancy. Physical activity helps prevent the digestive system from becoming sluggish. Low-impact exercises done on a regular basis can have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, and can help off-set constipation.
Backache Relief
Lower backaches are a very common side effect of pregnancy, which can be quite debilitating. Weak muscles in the torso can make this even worse. This is why it is important to keep the core muscles strong in order to alleviate any back pain that may result as a result of added weight during pregnancy.
Positive Self-Image
Exercise promotes feelings of well-being and positive self-image. This is true even outside of pregnancy. Maintaining an exercise program can build a woman’s self-esteem throughout her pregnancy and beyond.
Good Posture
Exercise can actually promote correct posture. This is due in part to strengthening muscles that are responsible for keeping the back and shoulders straight and upright. In addition, exercise can help to reduce fat deposits in certain areas that may become a hindrance during pregnancy.
Dealing with Labor
Keeping fit throughout pregnancy will give the mother the strength and endurance she will need for labor. Childbirth is extremely exerting, but can be easier to deal with if the body is kept strong. Studies suggest that pregnant women who are physically fit actually have slightly shorter labours, and are better able to deal with its intensity. In addition, physical fitness can reduce the number of complications that are associated with labor and childbirth.
For more pregnancy-related information, please visit: www.complete-pregnancy-guide.com.
References:
1. Curtis, Glade B., MD, OBGYN, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, 1997
2. Eisenberg et al, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, 1991
3. familydoctor.org
4. American Pregnancy Association
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