9 reasons why exercise in pregnancy is important

Exercise in pregnancy - benefit or risk? Many future moms ask themselves this question and it is quite natural that they may fear movement with growing baby in belly. However, exercise consulted with doctor, taking place with trainer and with moderation, is actually very beneficial for pregnant women. Not only will you feel fit, your mood will improve and movement will also serve as prevention of possible complications.

Exercise in pregnancy will help you because...

... it reduces risk of gestational diabetes

Exercise during pregnancy helps reduce gestational or pregnancy diabetes. Long untreated diabetes with long-lasting high blood sugar level can manifest as frequent urination, thirst, increased fatigue, more frequent infections and worse wound healing. With gestational diabetes risk of so-called large newborn increases. Studies proved that with regular exercise three times a week probability of birth of such baby decreased by up to 58 percent in women with gestational diabetes.

exercise in pregnancy

... reduces risk of complications during childbirth

In study conducted in 2017 it was proven that women who actively engaged in exercise in pregnancy had lower risk of unplanned caesarean section. Besides that exercise in pregnancy reduces risk of procedures like forceps delivery or episiotomy, i.e. cutting of perineum.

Stronger muscles and heart that feels fit can also help to easier childbirth. One of advantages of exercise in pregnancy is controlled breathing, that helps in managing pain. Women who have longer labor will utilize improved fitness and endurance.

... speeds up regeneration after childbirth

Active moms of newborns have faster return to body before pregnancy compared to those who did not engage in sports. Strength and muscles they maintained during pregnancy have their memory. Exercise in pregnancy also helps avoid extreme excess kilos.

... improves mood and mental well-being

Have you heard about prenatal depression? For someone expecting a baby is the most beautiful period in life, but some moms can also feel anxiety and fear of what new family member and care for it will bring. Mood swings are common phenomenon in future moms. Exercise helps here too. It awakens serotonin, substance that is associated with good mood.

Exercise outside is also associated with mental well-being in pregnancy. Natural light has antidepressant effect.

exercise in pregnancy

... helps with back pain

According to statistics up to two thirds of pregnant women complain about back pain. Growing baby is burden mainly for lower part of spine. Even in this case answer is - exercise. Especially exercise in second half of pregnancy is associated with considerable relief in back pain. Suitable is for example yoga, stretching, work with pelvis or exercise in water. Regular exercise in pregnancy strengthens muscles that help with mentioned pains.

... improves sleep

Another positive effect of exercise in pregnancy is its influence on sleep. In advanced stage of pregnancy women often have problems finding position that is comfortable. Pleasant fatigue from regular movement helps to calmer sleep, you will manage to fall asleep faster and after waking up you will feel more rested,

... gives you energy

Pregnancy is big drain on energy. Exercise in pregnancy plays important role here too, because it strengthens cardiovascular system. Simply put, it fights feeling of fatigue and supplies energy even in more stressful period. Stronger muscles help in everyday situations, from grocery shopping to functioning at work. You don't have to expend as much effort in them as woman who does not engage in any sport or exercise.

exercise in pregnancy

Although it may seem illogical, sometimes too much rest and doing nothing exhausts us. Of course, especially exercise in pregnancy needs to be realized with moderation. But walk in fresh air or pregnancy yoga can make big difference in how you feel during day.

... helps with constipation

Intestines of pregnant woman often get clogged due to increased level of hormone progesterone and enlarging uterus. Regular exercise and diet rich in fiber is effective helping hand in this case. Simply put, active body = active intestines. In pregnancy it is also important to maintain diet, vitamins and minerals in balance.

... strengthens immunity

Regular exercise in pregnancy, while it doesn't have to be high intensity training, reduces risk of cold, helps with regulating body temperature, blood circulation and hormonal imbalance. Many researchers explain that precisely exercise associated with temporary increase of our body temperature, is great prevention against increased occurrence of bacteria. Thanks to movement antibodies and white blood cells are released into blood circulation faster, which helps in recognizing disease in organism.

It is important to listen to your own body and not push exercise to extremes. Treat yourself to comfortable maternity clothes for exercise, in which you will feel comfortable.