Reasons to Get In Shape
Any exercise program should be approved by your primary care physician. In general, exercise is beneficial during pregnancy, but there may be reasons that you need to abstain from a workout regimen. See your doctor before you begin.
IT IS GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY!!!
GIVE YOU MORE ENERGY:
Everyone has heard that energy creates energy. You wanted more energy before you got pregnant, and now you discover that pregnancy tends to sap energy. Working out during your pregnancy strengthens your cardiovascular system, elevates your metabolism and lessens your likelihood of fatigue. It makes it easier to tackle every day chores.
PREPARE FOR THE RIGORS OF CHILDBIRTH:
Exercise during your pregnancy can help you better withstand the rigors of labor and delivery. The process of delivery requires energy, stamina, and determination and a good workout program can increase your readiness for this amazing journey.
REDUCE PREGNANCY DISCOMFORT:
Putting together a good workout program during your pregnancy will strengthen and stretch your muscles. Exercised muscles enable you to cope with the aches and pains of pregnancy much easier.
DECREASE RISK OF A CESARIAN SECTION:
Exercise reduces the likelihood of a pregnant woman delivering through C-section. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Neonatal Nursing reported a study conducted by the University of North Texas which indicated that sedentary women were 4.5 times more likely to have a C-section than women who exercised
IMPROVE CIRCULATION:
Whether you’re pregnant or not, exercise is a good way to improve circulation. The fringe benefits are that this helps reduce varicose veins, leg cramps, and swelling of the ankles.
REDUCE BACK PAIN:
An exercise program that includes work on muscles that support the back is a good way to reduce some of the forward pull created by the pregnancy. Back supporting muscles include work on the abdominals.
DECREASE RISK OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES:
The placenta maintains hormones that create a condition of insulin resistance, which in some patients can develop into gestational diabetes. Exercise and eating right can keep weight gain within the expected range and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
AVOIDING BOReDOM:
The first month or two of your pregnancy is often full of excitement as you share the new news of being pregnant. The entire pregnancy has wonderful moments of anticipation, but much of the time is just waiting. Exercise is a great distraction and time filler that is accompanied by many additional benefits.
ENHANCE YOUR MOOD:
Working out while you are pregnant can give you an all-around better feeling. Exercise changes the brain chemistry and stimulates endorphins, which directly affect your mood. Combined with the blessings of better sleep and reduced stress, you just may find yourself in a good state of mind.
RECEIVE BETTER REST:
Exercise reduces excess energy and prepares you for deeper and more restful sleep. The only precaution is to not exercise too close to bedtime.
REDUCE STRESS:
Engaging in a workout program is a good way to reduce the tension created by stress. Try incorporating cardiovascular and stretching exercises for the purpose of reducing stress and tension.
IMPROVE YOUR SELF-IMAGE:
Watching the scale go up pound by pound can be discouraging for some women. Exercise can help prevent unnecessary weight gain and help you feel in control of your body.
PREPARE FOR CARRYING THE BABY:
Exercise during pregnancy can help prepare you for carrying around your new born baby. Carrying the baby doesn’t seem that bad, but don’t forget the diaper bag, the baby carrier, and other infant accessories. Infants alone can reach over 20 pounds before 8 months.
GET YOUR BODY BACK FASTER:
Maintaining fitness during your pregnancy will prepare your body for an easier time of rebounding back to the way you want it. It also helps keep off unnecessary weight gain during your pregnancy which would only make bouncing back more difficult.
Sources:
“Exercise During Pregnancy,” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 1998.
“Exercise,” The University of Michigan Health System. smartmoms.org. 2002.
“Pregnancy and Exercise: What You Can Do for a Healthy Pregnancy,” The American Academy of Family Physicians. familydoctor.org. 2002.
“Exercising During Pregnancy,” The Nemours Foundation. kidshealth.org. 2002.
“Getting in Shape After Your Baby is Born,” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2000.
Last updated: 12/2006