If no one ever told you, let me be the first...Pregnancy is a sport and Labour is the Championship game. Well you already know that because you made it through try offs 😅
Ok in all seriousness...
Exercise is a very important aspect of maintaining a healthy pregnancy and having a straightforward labour and delivery. Here are 10 ways in which exercise can do a pregnant body good:
1. Boost in Energy. As the saying goes ‘to exercise you need energy and to get energy you need to exercise.’ This can be challenging especially in the first and third trimester when a Mama is doggone tired. If you can muster enough will power to go for a walk, climb some stairs or do some stretches you will definitely get a boost in energy to push you through your pregnant and tired days.
2. Builds endurance for the big push. Back to that thing of labour being the Championship game... No athlete goes into a championship game unprepared. Some level of physical training is required. Especially because your L&D most likely will not be like in the movies where your baby flies out. If you’re getting a C-Section this may not be a huge selling point but if you’re opting to deliver naturally - you better have the stamina to push for hours if needed.
3. Helps the body to ‘snap back’ after labour. This is the benefit that gets the most airtime on social media and it is a worthy benefit. If you continue building muscle while pregnant at the end of pregnancy that muscle will help burn the excess baby fat and help return you to your pre baby #bodygoals.
4. Improves mood. When in doubt, worried, anxious fretting on your pregnancy etc. exercise may be the thing you need to lift your spirits.
5. Improve sleep because pregnancy is known to to keep a mama up. Here are some other ways to get a great night's sleep.
6. Naturally induces labour. I walked and walked the day before my due date and delivered on my due date - this works.
7. Minimizes a range of pregnancy symptoms such as swelling of the feet, carpal tunnel syndrome etc.
8. Reduces chances of a perineum tear or episiotomy. Especially if you do pelvic exercises or kegels.
9. Regulates weight gain and blood pressure.
10. Remedy for a breech
Takeaway
For the most part walking, yoga and water aerobics are some of the best pregnancy exercises for women of any fitness level.
Based on my fitness profile I was able to walk, run, dance, do pregnant cardio, water aerobics and cycle during my pregnancies. Hands down my favourite exercises were dancing & aqua aerobics (which is basically dancing in water)
Typically, fitness buffs who become pregnant can get away with doing modifications of some of their former exercises.
Be sure to consult with your Doctor or healthcare provider on what exercises are best for you based on your pregnancy and fitness level. 💜
