Top 10 Reasons to Stay Active During Pregnancy!
Pregnancy is the most exciting time in a woman’s life,
but can also be the most exhausting time as well. There are so many changes
that happen within those little 9 months and the last thing that you may want
to think about is exercise!
However, exercise during pregnancy has many benefits
that most mothers-to-be are not aware of. Here are my top 10 reasons to get
moving!
1.
Increased energy:
You may believe that going to the gym would leave you just the opposite;
however, that cardio session may just give you the boost that you need to do
your daily errands and make it through the day.
2.
Improves Mood:
Exercising has been shown to increase your endorphins level to boost your mood!
During pregnancy, we can feel a bit down or crabby thanks to hormones an
fatigue, and this is the way to combat those feelings!
3.
Bounce Back
Faster: Staying regularly active during your entire pregnancy will not only
leave you with a positive self-image, but it will aid in your returning to your
pre-baby body. You will actually bounce back faster and have an easier time
working out postpartum.
4.
Sleep Soundly:
Most women have problems falling asleep or sleeping through the night during pregnancy
due to the large amounts of Progesterone and general pregnancy discomforts.
Exercise reduces stress and tension within the body, allowing you to feel
calmer.
5.
Reduces
Discomforts: Pregnancy is a time where body parts will hurt that may have never
hurt before; particularly back, hips, and lower abdomen! Stretching and regular
exercise will help to loosen those tense or tight muscles and break up any
lactic acid build-ups. Yoga is the best exercise for this!
6.
Speeds up labor: Yes!
Exercise even helps with the biggest moment of your pregnancy. Certain
exercises such as squats and Kegels can help stretch and strengthen the pelvic
floor, allowing you to build a firmer push for your big day.
7.
Reduced Risk for
a C-Section: Regular exercise has shown to decrease the need for medical
interventions such as a C-Section by decreasing the chance of delivering a baby
with a high birth weight. It also reduces the risk by strengthening the body to
do what it was made to do-give birth successfully!
8.
Speedier Postpartum
Recovery: When you keep your muscles moving, they are less likely to lose their
memory. The better shape your body is in prior to delivery, the faster it will
work to recover itself. It will also help you get back to the gym and your
workouts faster during your postpartum phase.
9.
Prevents Excess
Weight Gain During Pregnancy: It is no secret that keeping fit during pregnancy
will keep those excess pounds off! Often, women tend to accidentally consume
more calories than needed to sustain their baby and end up with more than the
25lbs-35lbs that the doctor recommends. By staying active, you can tame those
cravings and torch those extra calories.
10. Lowers risk for Gestational Diabetes: Exercise keeps
your glucose levels at a steady level by allowing your body to use glucose
without extra insulin, preventing gestational diabetes. It is recommended to
get at least 30 minutes of activity daily; even if it is a brisk walk in the
park!
