Pregnancy is a time to really relish your body, the miracle you are growing and take time to appreciate yourself. In many people’s minds, that equates to sitting on the couch and relaxing…the whole 10 months! Well obviously you should find time for tranquility but you also should keep moving and preparing your body to be strong and healthy for labor and motherhood. This can include anything from gentle stretching, walking, yoga, pilates, swimming, to more high impact options such as hiking, jogging, cycling, provided your healthcare provider is ok with that. It is always imperative to get your doctors approval first should you have any pregnancy limitations and to rest when you feel your body is telling you to.
Here are a few benefits to continued fitness:
1.) Helps to keep the weight gain in check
2.) Improves circulation throughout the body. This can have a beneficial impact on swollen ankles and hands, leg cramps, stagnant digestive system and much more.
3.) The endorphins from exercise (however intense) helps to combat the fatigue and emotional ups and downs you may experience.
4.) Movement will keep the joints lubricated and the muscles strong. This will help to ease any discomfort in the shoulders, back, hips and feet that will come as the body continues to evolve with the growing baby.
5.) Increased cardiovascular exercise helps to keep awareness of one’s breath and lung capacity. Yoga specifically allows one to learn control of breath and helps with relaxation.
6.) Decreases chances of depression during pregnancy and after.
7.) A healthy, fit body is generally able to recover from birth much faster.
MY FAVORITE REASON…
8.) Most women who maintain some level of fitness tend to experience less medical intervention as well as shorter and less painful labors. Now is that motivation or what?
Keep in mind if you begin to notice anything that doesn’t seem quite right, please listen to your body. If you have any of the following happen or even something not on this list, please check with your doctor right away. Every pregnant body is different and things do change on a daily basis so be mindful of where you are.
When to stop:
- uterine contractions
- vaginal bleeding
- excessive fatigue
- Fever over 100 degrees
- Upset stomach and/or vomiting (more than a few times in 1 hour)
- Sudden dizziness, faintness or intense headache
- Leaking of fluid from vagina
- Reduced fetal activity
- Sudden edema (swelling) or cramping of the calves