Exercise During Pregnancy for Multiple Benefits
Healthy Prenatal Care Includes Daily Activity and Exercise
Apr 20, 2009
Most all women understand the value and importance of regular prenatal visits to a qualified healthcare provider, eating properly, and avoiding alcohol and cigarette smoke during pregnancy. But it is astounding how many women either do not understand the value, or do not take the time to engage in routine exercise during pregnancy. Exercise is just as important during pregnancy as it is before and after the baby is born.
Maternal exercise can have a significant impact on the labor and delivery process and on the health of the baby as well. Based on the findings of a recent study published by ScienceDaily, researchers found that women who exercise during pregnancy are more physically fit and actually have more time for other things in their daily routines. This finding indicates that women who exercise may be better planners and organizers.
Benefits of Routine Exercise
During pregnancy, it’s essential to manage weight gain and maintain an active lifestyle. Being active and physically fit can make a big difference in a woman’s ability to manage through the labor and delivery process. Keeping weight gain to the desired levels for each woman’s individual situation also makes a difference during pregnancy, delivery, and afterwards.
Regular activity helps pregnant women keep their body mass index (BMI) lower which is also a result of keeping weight gain lower. A lower weight gain and BMI are just two benefits of routine exercise. Pregnant women who live an active lifestyle have more energy and stamina during pregnancy which makes it a more pleasant experience. And, regular exercise creates a healthier and more positive mental state since it helps release endorphins and chemicals that stimulate healthy brain activity.
Women Who Exercise are Busy Too
Women who exercise routinely don’t necessarily have more time than those who don’t engage in activity. As a matter of fact, women who do not exercise usually have even more time than those who do. In the recent study, it was concluded that women who don’t exercise usually spend more time watching television and using the computer. This is valuable time that could be used for physical activity and preparing their minds and bodies for pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. It is a matter of establishing priorities for a healthier life.
Women who exercise are potentially better time managers and are able to fit important activities into their lives by prioritizing them more effectively. Rather than watching a mindless TV show, they spend 30 minutes getting healthy exercise. Instead of sitting idly at the computer, they get out and walk to get exercise and fresh air.
The bottom line is that women who exercise are often busier than those who choose not to exercise. The most avid exercisers often have small children, work outside the home, volunteer, or engage in other activities throughout their day. But they still find time for healthy exercise that benefits their health and the health of their unborn child.
Make Exercise a Priority
Before deciding there is no time to exercise, think again. Make it a priority and talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about the value and importance of exercise. Confirm with your doctor that you are physically able to participate in exercise activities such as walking, aerobics, or other things that get you moving and keep you healthy. With your doctor’s approval, start an exercise program that will have benefits before and after the baby is born.
Instead of assuming you don’t have time for exercise, make a list of your daily activities and decide what is most important to you and your baby. If you’re spending more time watching TV, shopping, surfing the Internet, or browsing through magazines, you’ll quickly find time that can be spent in healthy activity. Consider the value of exercise and the consequences of a sluggish, sedentary lifestyle. It won’t take long to realize that an active lifestyle is a more fulfilling and healthier way to live life.
And don’t forget that physical activity and exercise can give you much more energy and vitality than you ever had by living a sedentary lifestyle. What better way to begin life with your newborn?
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