We are big fans of daily movement and believers in healthy mothers = healthy societies. There are so many, but let's talk about just 5 of the reasons working out during pregnancy is so beneficial!
1. Improves Physical Health
Regular exercise can help maintain or improve your cardiovascular health, increase strength, and reduce the risk of conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. It also helps with posture, which can alleviate back pain commonly experienced during pregnancy.
2. Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress
Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" hormones, which can help combat mood swings, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy. Physical activity can also promote better sleep, reducing insomnia often faced by expectant mothers.
3. Eases Labor and Delivery
Staying active can help prepare your body for the physical demands of labor. Exercises that focus on strength, flexibility, and pelvic floor muscles can contribute to a smoother, more efficient labor process. Some studies suggest that women who exercise during pregnancy may have shorter labors and lower rates of complications.
4. Helps Manage Weight Gain
Moderate exercise can help you manage your weight during pregnancy, preventing excessive weight gain that could lead to complications such as gestational diabetes or a higher risk of cesarean delivery. Keeping active also helps maintain muscle tone and stamina as your body changes.
5. Promotes Better Postpartum Recovery
Staying active during pregnancy can improve postpartum recovery by helping you regain strength and stamina more quickly. It can also assist in managing weight loss after delivery and improve your overall fitness level, making it easier to care for your newborn.
We could really go on and on about the benefits of daily movement and strength training during all seasons of life, and we do when you join us for a class!