Benefits of Exercising during Pregnancy, importance, do and don’t

September 17th, 2010 by Dr. Subba Rao | Posted under Wellness.

In the not-so-distant past, women were urged to cut down on or even avoid exercise during pregnancy. Today, we know differently. Not only is it OK to participate in fitness activities during pregnancy, but doing so can have a positive impact on both baby and mom.

Boost your energy : Pregnancy can sap your energy, but regular bouts of exercise will help you get through your daily tasks or cope with a demanding schedule: Exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, so you don’t tire as easily. With muscles that are strong and toned, you need less effort to engage in any activity, whether that means grocery shopping or sitting through meetings at the office.

Correct Posture and Activeness: The correct exercises also keep your posture right and keep cutting extra flab getting deposited at all the wrong places. It ensures that your thighs and butts do not accumulate extra fat which may become a hindrance in this as well as post pregnancy stage. A proper fitness regime also relieves you considerably in labor, making it comparatively less painful and less complicated. Regular exercises also keep you active till the last months.

Exercise Ensures Healthy Sleep: Exercises also ensure a proper and relaxed sleep which is very necessary for you as well as your baby. A regular exercise regime keeps away anxiety and stress ensuring a very sound sleep. A proper sleep also helps you be in a fresh and active mode. Apart from this, they keep your muscles strong and heart healthy. It also increases your endurance and give great relief for nausea and breathlessness.

Reduce pregnancy discomfort: Overall, regular exercise stretches and strengthens your muscles, which helps your body cope better with the aches and pains of pregnancy. Stretches ease back pain, walking improves your circulation, and swimming can strengthen your abdominal muscles

The mother should not exercise too strenuously, and be able to hold a conversation whilst keeping fit. It is recommended that the mother exercises for a maximum of 30 minutes per day. There are a number of forms that beneficial exercise can take, such as:

# walking: This is a very good way of fulfilling the above requirements without placing too much strain on the body or elevating the heart rate too much. The mother should endeavour to walk steadily but briskly, avoiding too many hills or rough terrain.
# swimming: Swimming is one of the most beneficial pregnancy exercises available. The water relieves joint aches and pains by relieving pressure and weight, and helps to tone muscles. Swimming should be gentle and smooth to avoid risking the baby.
# yoga/Pilates: Yoga or Pilates which have been specifically adapted to be suitable for expectant mothers is a popular exercise form in later pregnancy as it allows aching and cramped muscles to be stretched and soothed. Additionally, the relaxed nature of yoga will assist the mother in clearing her mind and gathering her thoughts during what is an exciting but also anxious time.
# aerobics: Low-impact aerobics only should be undergone during pregnancy, which will help increase heart rate with minimal impact on joints and muscles. An ideal form of aerobics to undertake during pregnancy is dancing

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Tags: Exercising during Pregnancy, Pregnancy exercise, Pregnancy exercise importance

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