Congratulations are definitely in order if you have a little
one on the way! But keep in mind that
healthy pregnancies and deliveries require much more that just good wishes.
Most of us tend to drop our activity levels drastically
during our pregnancy months. Over and above that we have ‘cravings’ to blame
for our weight gain. Usually, unless you are already a health nut, a workout
plan is the last thing one bothers with when carrying a baby. However, an
appropriate exercise regime takes on even greater importance during this period
and must not be ignored at all.
A few benefits of working out when pregnant are listed below
-
- Strength building – You will need
strong leg muscles when going through labor and these can only be achieved
by following an appropriate strength building regime. Ladies, who walked,
swam or even did some light weight training through their pregnancies have
reported much easier and shorter labor. Yoga helps tremendously in
building strength without causing any danger to the fetus.
- Combat nausea – Over 60% women
suffer from morning sickness and the first trimester sees most of this
action. Following a work out plan keeps the metabolic rate going and
therefore helps in digesting food intake and keeping acidity levels low.
It is due to this reason that women who workout during their pregnancies
rarely complain of overt morning sickness.
- Prevent stretch marks – Stretch
marks usually occur due to excessive weight gain or weight loss. A regular
and appropriate exercise program allows pregnant women to keep their
weight gain within healthy levels thus preventing stretch marks immensely.
Exercising also supplies the skin with regular oxygen, which contributes
towards its elasticity and therefore prevents stretch marks.
- Feel better – Conceiving and
having babies is an emotional time for most women. Their hormones run a
mock and the entire period seems like a physical and emotional
rollercoaster ride. Following proper exercise programs helps keep these
fluctuations in control and allows women to feel upbeat during their
pregnancy months too.
- Lower ailment risks- Studies show
that women who exercise and continue to do so even when pregnant have
lesser chance of developing gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and
other similar problems related with conceiving. In fact it is believed
that exercising also helps achieve normal deliveries as opposed to C –
sections.
- Regain pre pregnancy weight faster –
Following an exercise regime when pregnant will help you get back into
shape much faster once the baby has been delivered. The body keeps up its
metabolic rate and allows the excess weight gained during the pregnancy to
be lost at a heighted rate than otherwise.
Keep in mind that an exercise routine for a pregnant woman
does not focus on either weight loss or weight control. Yoga, swimming,
walking, cycling and other such activities are highly recommended while
carrying. Light resistance training is also known to benefit tremendously.
However, you must consult your doctor before adopting an exercise plan and
ensure that a trained professional is advising you on the topic.
Labels: Pregnancy
