The Benefits of Exercise during Pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy does wonders for moms-to-be. Below are some pointers:
- It increases energy level and reduces fatigue,
- It boosts mood and improves sleep,
- It reduces pregnancy aches and pains,
- It helps prevent and treat gestational diabetes,
- It prepares you for childbirth by strengthening muscles and building endurance, and
- It helps you much easier to get back to pre-pregnancy size after childbirth.
As such, it is recommended to have at least 30 minutes a day of exercise during pregnancy. The following activities are usually safe for expectant mothers, although some of them may not work for you during the last few months of your pregnancy. Make sure you consult your healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regimen.
Flexibility and Strength Exercises for Moms-to-be
Yoga is good for expectant mothers because it helps them learn to breathe deeply and relax, which will come in handy as they face the physical demands of labour, birth, and motherhood. In fact, one of the first things they will learn in a prenatal yoga class is the correct breathing technique. Yoga poses can help strengthen hips, back, arms and shoulders and improve the overall flexibility of moms-to-be.
Stretching
Stretching is ideal for keeping one’s body limber and relaxed and preventing muscle strain, especially for moms-to-be.