The Benefits of Working Out While Pregnant

When you’re pregnant the last thing you are thinking about is working out. However pre-natal exercise not only helps reduce the amount of weight you gain during pregnancy but helps alleviate some of the symptoms you suffer during it. And let’s face it, if you’re in your first trimester you may be willing to do just about anything to feel better! In general, we know that exercising gives you more energy. When you’re pregnant you may be feeling more tired than usual and even a little moody. Working out will help give you that extra energy and will also help with any mood swings and trouble sleeping. Exercise also helps strengthen your muscles and improves circulation. Stronger core muscles help prevent back pain while better circulation “helps with constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, leg cramps, and swelling of the ankles and feet.”1 Bonus: Working out can actually help prepare you for childbirth! “Some studies suggest that the fitness level of the mother can result in a shorter labor, fewer medical interventions, and less exhaustion during labor.”2 In fact, in a study “those who had continued training throughout their pregnancy experienced active labor for 4 hours and 24 minutes compared with 6 hours and 2 minutes for those who’d quit training early on.”1 Before working out make sure to consult your doctor especially if you are considered a high-risk pregnancy, or at risk for pre-term labor. Some things to consider BEFORE working out: Don’t push ...
Source: Cord Blood News - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Tags: pregnancy Source Type: blogs