Fatigue, nausea, the growing size of your belly, and uncontrollable mood swings are just some of the things that make you want to stay in bed when you are pregnant. Hitting the gym is definitely the last thing on your mind. You would rather sit on your couch, be cozy, and watch a romantic comedy while gulping down what you crave. It might seem like a good idea to get complete rest and not move a muscle during your pregnancy, but being inactive does more harm than good. You may feel that you are doing more already, and you are. Your body is under stress, nurturing a tiny human being inside your womb, but that is no reason to be lazy or to sleep all day. Exercise seems stressful at first, but it is extremely beneficial for your health. Here are some of the reasons why you should exercise during pregnancy.
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1. It Keeps Your Weight In Check
Packing some extra pounds during pregnancy is beneficial for you and your little one, but gaining excess weight leads to a number of undesirable conditions. Being overweight during pregnancy increases your risks of having high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and other heart conditions. Your little one may also suffer from issues related to obesity and diabetes later on in life. Exercise keeps you active and healthy, and helps you maintain your weight. Follow a weight chart, exercise regularly, and maintain healthy diet.
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2. It Fights Fatigue
You are mostly tired or exhausted during the first and third trimesters of your pregnancy. Even though you feel like resting, too much rest can make you more tired. You don’t need to start with an exercise routine right away. Start by going for an easy walk or sign yourself up for some prenatal yoga classes. You will soon start noticing an increase in your energy level.
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3. It Relieves Aches
Carrying a little one in your belly puts pressure on your spine and legs. Since your pelvic muscles and ligaments are already loose due to the hormone, progesterone, you suffer from back pain and joint pain. Exercising or practicing yoga stretches your muscles and makes them stronger. You will get some relief from the aches and pain.
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4. It Makes Delivery Easier
Going into labor and pushing a baby out takes quite a bit of strength and energy. When you exercise regularly, the delivery becomes easier. You have more strength and more stamina for the final stage of your pregnancy. Your body will be strong and you will be able to handle the pain better.
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5. It Relieves Constipation
When you are pregnant, your body produces more of the hormone progesterone, which is a muscle relaxant that prepares your body to adjust to the growing size of your baby. This hormone also affects the muscles of your digestive system and slows down digestion, resulting in constipation. You can overcome this problem by exercising regularly and consuming a fiber-rich diet.
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6. It Shortens Your Labor
Strong abdomen and pelvic muscles that are a result of regular exercise help shorten the duration of your labor. Your muscles contract and dilate efficiently, helping you push your baby out faster.
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7. It Helps You Sleep Better
Getting proper sleep during pregnancy is a difficult task. You have a constant urge to pee, your baby kicks constantly, your belly is too big, or you are anxious about your delivery. The reasons are endless. Exercise improves the quality and duration of your sleep, providing you with a much-needed rest. Remember to lower your water intake as you approach bedtime as no amount of exercise will help you ignore nature’s call.
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8. It Relieves Stress
Pregnancy comes with a fair share of stress and anxiety. Exercise boosts the level of serotonin and endorphins in your brain, which help improve your mood. You will feel happier and more positive when you exercise.
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9. It Decreases The Chances Of Foreign Interventions
The number of Cesarean sections and deliveries that require the help of forceps and episiotomies are on the rise. Regular exercise helps make your delivery as natural as possible. You are more likely to give a vaginal birth, and the requirement for forceps and episiotomies decreases significantly.
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10. It Helps Your Body Recover Faster After Birth
Your body gets toned and your muscles become strong with proper exercise. This helps you bounce back from your delivery faster than someone who did not exercise during pregnancy. You will be able to shed the pregnancy weight faster too.
You should join a prenatal exercise group and should exercise with proper guidance. Be careful not to strain your body though. Follow a good diet and drink plenty of water to stay healthy during and after your pregnancy.
