Having a Healthy Pregnancy: Exercising While Pregnant

Everyone knows exercise is essential to health and well-being. In pregnancy, there are immense benefits to staying active and fit. Exercise promotes a healthy heart, strong muscles, and increased blood flow which carries oxygen to cells. Some other benefits of exercising while pregnant include: more stamina during labor, lowered chances of pregnancy complications, and reduced instances of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Pregnancy fitness can prepare a woman's body for labor, helps her body transition back to pre-pregnancy size, and assists her in feeling both physically and emotionally healthy.

If a woman has been active prior to becoming pregnant, she can typically resume regular activities after speaking with her doctor or midwife. She should take care not to get overheated, as that can affect a growing fetus negatively. Also, activities such as horseback riding which can jolt the body and produce bad falls should be avoided. Some activities that are suitable during pregnancy include: walking, jogging, pilates, yoga, dancing, and swimming. Swimming is especially attractive to women further along in their pregnancies, as the buoyancy of the water helps ease the heaviness that can accompany a large pregnant belly. If a woman has not been active prior to becoming pregnant, she can still reap the benefits of regular exercise while pregnant. By beginning slowly and taking care not to overexert herself, a woman can enjoy brisk walking, swimming, or yoga as part of a healthy pregnancy.

It is important that a woman listens to her body and pay attention to its signs and symptoms while participating in pregnancy fitness. Lung capacity is reduced later in pregnancy, so women may become winded more quickly. Also, morning sickness, dizziness, and shifting of center of gravity are common, making falls during pregnancy more common. As mentioned, overheating is a possibility, so pregnant woman should pace themselves and recognize they may to take more breaks during exercise than before becoming pregnant.

For some women with complications in pregnancy, exercise may not be indicated. In this case, speaking to a doctor or midwife on alternatives to exercising while pregnant can provide useful insights. Women may be able to continue light strength training, slow walking, or light beginner's yoga in spite of their pregnancy issues. Additionally, if a woman experiences vaginal bleeding, contractions, fluid leaking (not urine), chest pain, or unusual pain or shortness of breath during exercise, she should consult her doctor or midwife, as this can be a sign of a serious problem.

Exercise during pregnancy gives mother and baby the best start in their new lives together. It can provide many benefits and aid in an easier labor. However, a woman beginning or continuing an exercise program while pregnant should always speak to her health care provider beforehand. Together, they can come up with a plan that ensures the health and safety of both mother and baby.

Sources: Study: Pregnant Women Should Exercise