There are so many more benefits to exercising while pregnant, but here are my top 5 reasons why every pregnant woman should perform some form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day! Obviously there are exceptions for those who are high risk or if the doctor recommends you shouldn't, but if you are healthy otherwise and you get the green light from your OBGYN, get moving!
1.) With exercise you are keeping your body strong, improving your cardiovascular health, and working on your balance which can be very difficult to do when your belly is growing so quickly!
2.) Studies show that women who regularly exercise while pregnant may decrease their risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery.
3.) When you get moving, well, let's just says it get's other systems of your body moving too. Being constipated can cause you to strain which can lead to hemorrhoids, weakening of your pelvic floor, and increased pressure on your abdominals and may get or worsen diastisis recti.
4.) It's hard enough to get the recommended hours of sleep when you're pregnant. Exercising can help your muscles and mind relax allowing you to fall into a quicker and deeper sleep.
5.) It may seem like a given, but exercising can improve your strength. Often times a woman who maintains an active pregnancy will find herself stronger in her third trimester than she did in her first. Another way to think about exercise during pregnancy is like prehab. Often times a doctor will require a patient to get physical therapy for strengthening prior to a surgery like ACL repair or even knee replacement. This is because the recovery after the surgery is quicker. The same applies to pregnancy. Exercise during and your "bounce back" to your pre-baby body is quicker as well.
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