During pregnancy there are many changes that a woman experiences for example when struggling to keep a meal down during the first trimester of pregnancy, dealing with a changing body in the second, or huffing and puffing just to make it to the bathroom as you near your due date, hitting the gym might be the last thing on your mind. But with much research suggesting that exercise has big benefits when you’re pregnant.
Even a simple walk around the block or a session of stretching can lead to an improved mood and better sleep. Make it a regular routine to exercise regularly as it will help ease labour and quick recovery.
Here are the benefits of working out:
Boost your mood
According to research many women are more susceptible to depression during pregnancy, with an estimated 1 in 2 of all women reporting increased depression or anxiety while expecting. But research has found that exercise during pregnancy releases endorphins that help improve mood while diminishing stress and anxiety.
Ease back and pelvic pain
It’s no secret that your growing baby bump puts extra pressure on your lower half, resulting in lower back pain and an achy pelvis. Strengthening your abs, however, may result in less lower-back and pelvic pain during late pregnancy.
Improve your stamina and heart health
Working out can improve your overall fitness. By strengthening your heart and blood vessels through workouts.
Reduce the risk of pregnancy complications
Exercising while you’re expecting may lower the risk of developing certain conditions like gestational diabetes. And if you do develop gestational diabetes, staying active can help keep your insulin levels in check.
Lower blood pressure
Blood pressure occasionally does go up during pregnancy, but a significant jump can be a warning sign of preeclampsia. Staying active such as walking regularly has been found to keep blood pressure from rising.
Fight fatigue
Low-level tiredness plagues many women during the first trimester, then again late in the third trimester. While it seems paradoxical, sometimes getting too much rest can actually make you feel more pooped.
don’t over do it and push yourself to exhaustion, a little nudge — say, an easy walk or a prenatal yoga class — can make a big difference in your energy level.
Improve sleep
Many pregnant women report having a harder time falling asleep, those who exercise consistently (as long as it’s not near bedtime, which can prove energising) say the quality of their sleep is better and that they wake up feeling more rested.
Relieve constipation
An active body encourages active bowels. Some women swear by a brisk 30-minute walk to keep them regular, while others say even a 10-minute stroll helps get things going.
Make it a regular routine to exercise regularly as it will help ease labour and help you recover faster.
Also see: Benefits of taking an afternoon nap
