8 Health Benefits Of Exercising During Pregnancy

Pregnancy, one of those beautiful yet tiring phase of life that will surely give you ample of experience and learnings. The pregnancy time is one of the most experiencing one and full of emotions. There are usually many questions that come to mind when planning how to exercise during pregnancy. Physical exercise is a bodily activity that improves or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. This type of exercise during pregnancy is important and can help with some common discomforts of pregnancy and even help prepare your body for labor and delivery.

Overall and in most cases, exercise is safe during pregnancy. You will usually find it is even recommended. Typically, the first rule of thumb is if you were physically active before you were pregnant, it is likely safe to remain active during pregnancy. More than likely, your healthcare provider will tell you to remain active, as long as it is comfortable and there are no other health conditions suggesting otherwise.

* Boost your energy

Pregnancy saps your energy, but regular exercise can help you get through your daily tasks or cope with a demanding schedule more easily. That's because exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, so you don't tire as easily and you have the energy to ride out stressful times. And with strong, toned muscles, you don't need to put in as much effort to engage in any activity, whether it's grocery shopping or sitting through meetings at the office.

* Help you sleep better

As your pregnancy progresses, finding a comfortable sleeping position can be a real challenge. But exercise can tire you out enough to lull you into a more restful sleep.

* Lower your risk of certain pregnancy-related complications

Studies suggest that exercising during pregnancy can lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

(If you've been diagnosed with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about exercising. Depending on your condition and how far along you are in your pregnancy, she may ask you to limit or avoid physical activity.)

* Reduce pregnancy discomfort

Regular exercise strengthens your muscles, which helps your body cope better with the aches and pains of pregnancy. Doing stretches and yoga eases back pain, walking improves your circulation, and swimming can strengthen your abdominal muscles.

* Prepare for childbirth

It makes perfect sense: The better shape you're in, the stronger you'll be come time for labor and delivery. Giving birth can be likened to running a marathon because both require stamina, determination, and focus.

Though it hasn't been well researched, preparing for childbirth with exercise may ease labor and even shorten the time it takes to deliver your baby. A recent small study found that women who participated in a conditioning program three times a week throughout pregnancy progressed through the first stage of labor more quickly than women who weren't in the program.

* Reduce stress and lift your spirits

Being pregnant can be stressful and leave you vulnerable to mood swings. One study found that exercise boosts levels of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood, putting you in better spirits.

It works even better if you invite a friend to join you. Not only are you more likely to stick with your workouts, studies have shown that having the company of supportive friends might be one of the best stress-busters available.

* Improve your self-image

Watching the scale inch its way up to numbers you've never seen before can be disconcerting. Staying active helps you feel better about yourself and improves your odds of gaining a healthy amount of weight.

* Get your body back faster after childbirth

When you've maintained your strength and muscle tone through your pregnancy, your body will have an easier time bouncing back after you give birth. You're also less likely to put on excess weight if you exercise during your pregnancy.