Does Exercising Help When You're Pregnant?

When you̵7;re pregnant, exercising may seem like the last thing you want to do. Between the fatigue, swollen ankles and unavoidable weight gain, hitting the gym might not be a top priority, but there are several reasons why it should be. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, and doing this will result in a host of health benefits during pregnancy, labor and post-partum.

  1. Physical Benefits

    • Many of the typical, uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy can be relieved by incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Exercise can help with back pain and other body aches, improve your posture, reduce swelling and help keep you from gaining more weight than necessary. Staying active can also increase your energy level, which will definitely benefit you during this time. The exercise doesn̵7;t have to be strenuous, either. Walking, swimming or cycling on a stationary bike are all low-impact forms of exercise that will help you feel your best.

    Disease Prevention

    • Frequent exercise can also help with reducing your risk for gestational diabetes, a condition that affects the blood sugar of pregnant women. Getting some form of physical activity has been shown to help prevent this form of diabetes, and it can also help treat it if you̵7;ve already been diagnosed. Watch for is pregnancy-related high blood pressure, which poses several risks to both mother and baby. However, according to MayoClinic.com, exercise can reduce your risk for developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.

    Mood Improvement

    • You̵7;ve probably heard the jokes about pregnant women and mood swings, but there is some truth behind them. Pregnant women are more prone to severe mood changes, but regular physical activity can help with this. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins that make you feel better, and this will have a positive impact on your mood. You̵7;ll also be less likely to experience post-partum depression when you exercise, both during pregnancy and after the baby is born.

    Easier Labor

    • Improved stamina and muscle strength are another result of exercise, and these can help you have a better labor experience. Fit muscles and strong heart will serve you well while the baby is being born, and the same breathing techniques you practice during exercise can benefit you during labor. Because many women labor for several hours, the increased stamina that results from regular exercise will also help you better cope with a lengthy childbirth experience.

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