Exercise During Pregnancy

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Exercising During Pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy is important for mom and baby alike. Most women reap tremendous benefits from exercising throughout their pregnancy. If you have been exercising regularly prior to your pregnancy, then chances are you can engage in an exercise plan quite easily after becoming pregnant. You may need to modify your routine slightly to accommodate your growing figure.

If you are new to exercise, be sure to check in with your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure our health and well being prior to starting an exercise routine. Fortunately for most women starting an exercise program during pregnancy is perfectly safe and very beneficial.

Benefits Of Exercising During Pregnancy
Exercising during pregnancy carries with it many benefits. Here are just a few of the more commonly reported benefits of exercising during pregnancy:

• Exercising during pregnancy can help boost our energy level and reduce fatigue during pregnancy. You may feel like you are too tired to work out, but once you do you'll quickly find your efforts well worth it. Exercise helps boost the levels of endorphins in our body and helps get the blood circulating throughout our body, all natural ways to boost our energy level.
• Exercising during pregnancy can help relieve pregnancy backaches and help strengthen and tone the muscles in the body.
• Exercise helps stimulate the bowels and helps reduce constipation during pregnancy.
• Exercise can help promote adequate circulation and decrease complications associated with varicose veins.
• Exercise during pregnancy helps promote better sleep and helps combat insomnia.
• Exercising during pregnancy provides an ideal outlet for reducing tensions and anxiety during pregnancy.
• Exercise will help you feel better about your body during pregnancy and can help you maintain a healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
• Exercising during pregnancy will help promote your endurance and prepare your body for the rigors of labor.
• Women who exercise during pregnancy will typically regain their pre-pregnancy shape must more quickly than those who do not.

Exercise Safety During Pregnancy

It is important that you take some safety precautions when exercising during pregnancy. During pregnancy our bodies produce a chemical called relaxin, which may make your body more susceptible to injury. Be careful to warm up and stretch before and after exercise to help protect your joints and muscles.

In some cases you may need to limit your exercise. Here are some warning signs that exercise during pregnancy may not be safe:

• Contractions that are regular and uncomfortable during physical activity.
• High blood pressure.
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding during or after exercise.
• Leaking or premature rupture of the membranes.
• Excessive dizziness or nausea and vomiting.

If you experience any of these symptoms stop immediately and contact your physician. Remember that ultimately exercise should make you feel good during pregnancy, not sick or uncomfortable. Some excellent choices while pregnant include yoga, walking, swimming, prenatal aerobics and stretching.

Many physicians now offer prenatal yoga, pilates and aerobics classes geared specifically toward pregnant women. If you aren't a member of a gym check out your local recreation center. You are bound to find one or two classes you might like to try. Some women prefer to buy an exercise video or two they can use from the comfort of their own home. Regardless of the method of exercise you choose, remember that exercising during pregnancy is an important aspect of your health and well-being. Your body and your baby will thank you for your efforts.

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