| Exercising as a lifestyle is a great way to keep fit and | | | | which further smoothens the transition between |
| healthy. For pregnant women however, there are | | | | singleness and motherhood. |
| added benefits which will go a long way to ensuring | | | | 3. Weight management after the birth of the baby is |
| your body is in good shape to carry out your baby to | | | | also enhanced. Its normal for expectant mothers to put |
| full term. these should be light and controlled especially | | | | on weight during pregnancy as the body adjusts to |
| during the early weeks to enable your body adjust to | | | | accommodate the unborn child. A good exercise |
| the changes. | | | | regime during and after birth will help keep the mother's |
| Over exertion can be detrimental to an expectant | | | | body in good shape. |
| mother's health since blood flow can be diverted from | | | | 4. The benefits of maintaining a good exercise regime |
| reaching important areas of the body. It is therefore | | | | extends to the unborn child by ensuring it's overall |
| essential that any exercise regime undertaken by an | | | | proper development. |
| expectant mother is light, controlled and regulated. | | | | 5. Certain "side effect" of pregnancy can also be |
| Some physical activities that would be beneficial to | | | | reduced drastically. These include swelling, fatigue and |
| pregnant women include swimming and walking. | | | | minor headaches. Research has revealed that women |
| Weight lifting using very light weights could also be | | | | who exercise during pregnancy are less likely to |
| very useful but this should be ideally done under | | | | experience these "symptoms". |
| supervision. Regularity may vary amongst expectant | | | | 6. The likelihood of premature birth in women who |
| mothers but 3 times a week is recommended. If in any | | | | exercise during pregnancy is significantly reduced. |
| doubt, it's vital to consult your doctor before | | | | Drinking lots of fluids before exercising is a very good |
| proceeding any further. | | | | idea. Ensure your diet is well balanced and nutritious. |
| Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to why | | | | Avoid over exertion and immediately take a break |
| you should exercise during pregnancy. | | | | once you feel any uneasiness during exercising. |
| Here are some of the benefits that exercising during | | | | Because your overall fitness is improved, it's much |
| pregnancy will bring to an expectant mother. | | | | easier to cope with all the stresses and physical |
| 1. Labor and recovery time can be reduced | | | | pressures that pregnancy brings on your body. As long |
| significantly. This is because the appropriate exercises | | | | as you keep a good balance between resting and |
| builds up stamina and endurance which is required | | | | exercising sensibly, you will be well on your way to |
| during delivery. | | | | have a stress free pregnancy and hopefully, an |
| 2. Stress levels are reduced. This improves the | | | | enjoyable delivery. |
| expectant mothers mental and emotional wellbeing, | | | | |