Benefits of Working Out While Pregnant
There are a lot of myths about exercising while pregnant.
“If you don’t exercise already, don’t start while pregnant.”
“If you’re an athlete, you can’t keep working out as vigorously as you did before you were pregnant.”
“The only benefit of exercise during pregnancy is to help you lose the baby weight faster after the baby is born.”
Just to mention a few.
That’s why we wanted to dispel some of those myths and discuss the benefits of exercise during pregnancy.
Benefits of Exercise While Pregnant
First, let's talk about the benefits for your body that exercise can provide during pregnancy.
- It can reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling.
- In addition, it can boost your mood and energy levels.
- It can help improve sleep quality.
- It can help prevent excess weight gain.
- And it can promote muscle tone, strength, and endurance.
There's also the possibility that it can help lower the chances of gestational diabetes, help improve labor and reduce the risk of having a C-section.
What Kind of Exercises Should You Do While Pregnant
The Mayo Clinic says, “For most pregnant women, at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise is recommended on most, if not all, days of the week.”
Walking daily is an excellent exercise for beginners because it gets in moderate aerobic conditioning but doesn’t put as much pressure on the joints.
Another great choice that is also low-impact but extremely beneficial is swimming, either water aerobics or paced lap swimming.
Light strength training to help with muscle tone and development during pregnancy is also a good choice but should always be done with caution or with an experienced trainer.
If you did not work out before you were pregnant, start small. Begin with 10 minutes a day and work up to 15, then 20, until you get to 30 minutes a day. But remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.
Suppose you are someone who
did work out before your pregnancy. In that case, you can continue to work out at a similar level of intensity as you were before, but only if you feel comfortable and have the all-clear from your physician.
Before You Workout While Pregnant
What is critical for any woman who is pregnant and considering exercise is that you get the okay from your doctor first. Because while exercise during pregnancy is generally good for both the mother and the baby, there might be complications that result in your doctor advising against certain forms of exercise.
The bottom line is that exercise during pregnancy is beneficial not only for you but for your baby in the long run. Just listen to your body and check with your doctor to find the suitable form of exercise best for you.
