Pre & Post Natal Fitness
During pregnancy, exercise can help you stay in shape and prepare for labor and delivery. Here’s the lowdown on pregnancy and exercise, from getting started to staying motivated.
Pregnancy might seem like the perfect time to sit back and relax. You likely feel more tired than usual, and your back might ache from carrying extra weight.
But unless you’re experiencing complications, sitting around won’t help. In fact, pregnancy can be a great time to get active — even if you haven’t exercised in a while.
Why exercise during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, exercise can:
Reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling
Boost your mood and energy levels
Help you sleep better
Prevent excess weight gain
Promote muscle tone, strength and endurance
Other possible benefits of following a regular exercise program during pregnancy may include:
A lower risk of gestational diabetes
Shortened labor
A reduced risk of having a C-section
Pregnancy and exercise: Getting the OK
Before you begin an exercise program, make sure you have your health care provider’s OK. Although exercise during pregnancy is generally good for both mother and baby, your doctor might advise you not to exercise if you have:
Some forms of heart and lung disease
Preeclampsia or high blood pressure that develops for the first time during pregnancy
Cervical problems
Persistent vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester
Placenta problems
It may also not be safe to exercise during pregnancy if you have any of these other complications:
Preterm labor during your current pregnancy
A multiple pregnancy at risk of preterm labor
Premature rupture of the membranes
Severe anemia
Pacing it for pregnancy
For most pregnant women, at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise is recommended on most, if not all, days of the week.
Walking is a great exercise for beginners. It provides moderate aerobic conditioning with minimal stress on your joints. Other good choices include swimming, low-impact aerobics and cycling on a stationary bike. Strength training is OK, too, as long as you stick to relatively low weights.
Remember to warm up, stretch and cool down. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and be careful to avoid overheating.
Intense exercise increases oxygen and blood flow to the muscles and away from your uterus. In general, you should be able to carry on a conversation while you’re exercising. If you can’t speak normally while you’re working out, you’re probably pushing yourself too hard.
Depending on your fitness level, consider these guidelines:
You haven’t exercised for a while. Begin with as little as 10 minutes of physical activity a day. Build up to 15 minutes, 20 minutes, and so on, until you reach at least 30 minutes a day.
You exercised before pregnancy. You can probably continue to work out at the same level while you’re pregnant — as long as you’re feeling comfortable and your health care provider says it’s OK.
Benefits of Postnatal Exercise
Regular exercise after pregnancy can:
Promote weight loss, particularly when combined with reduced calorie intake
Improve your cardiovascular fitness
Strengthen, tone & HEAL your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles
Boost your energy level
Staying physically active can also help:
Relieve stress
Promote better sleep
Reduce symptoms of postpartum depression
Better yet, including physical activity in your daily routine helps you set a positive example for your child now and in the years to come.