Exercising During Pregnancy will Help Prepare for Labor
Benefits of Exercising while Pregnant
There are many benefits for exercising when pregnant. Aside from the benefits of exercising in general, it promotes good health for the expectant mother and baby, including in the following ways:
decreases discomfort brought on by the pregnancy
helps to prepare for labor
Walking is a great exercise because it can be done during the entire pregnancy. According to Dana Sullivan, consumer health interactive for Healthy Me!, “The latest research shows that regular exercise during pregnancy strengthens women's bodies to help them withstand the rigors of pregnancy, and helps reduce women's risk of developing two of the most dangerous illnesses associated with pregnancy: gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.”
Swimming is a safe exercise because it increases circulation in the body, tones muscles in the arms, and provides a good cardiovascular workout. The water also prevents injuries such as falling and helps with swollen feet. The extent of exercises done in the water may need to be altered during each trimester. It is best to consult a physician to see what types of exercises can be done.
Dancing is a great and safe way to exercise. During pregnancy, the muscles are placed under pressure due to extra weight but dancing helps to keep them flexible. It is necessary to decrease dance movements during dancing as the pregnancy progresses. Jumping or hoping should be avoided during the last trimester to avoid any bodily harm.
Yoga works on muscle toning and helps the body to relax, which can be helpful during the entire pregnancy and labor. Yoga for pregnant women is a popular class and a great way to meet other expectant mothers. Yoga can also be done at home by purchasing a video. There are many yoga videos for pregnant women that provide the advantage of performing this exercise in privacy.
Take Precautions During Exercise
According to American Family Physician, certain exercises are safe for women during pregnancy but some precaution should be taken. Avoid strenuous exercises or exercises that may cause injury from falling. When exercising outdoors, exercise in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest times of day. Be sure to drink a lot of water while exercising to avoid becoming dehydrated and always perform warm up and cool down exercises.