5 Benefits Of Doing Regular Exercise During Pregnancy

For many women, pregnancy seems like the perfect time to sit back and relax. Of course, you want to enjoy this stage of motherhood and hitting the gym might be the last thing on your mind.Moreover, the morning sickness, fatigue and backaches due to carrying extra weight may make you feel like sitting around all day in the comfort of your home and basically doing nothing.

But not moving around or exercising a bit can be bad for your health as well as your unborn baby’s. A growing body of research suggests that exercise has big benefits for both of you.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise for pregnant women on most or all days of the week.

* Prevents Excess Weight Gain

Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable, but gaining too much weight can be bad for your health as well as that of your unborn baby. Excess weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and the need for a C-section.

* Relieves Constipation

Taking iron supplements as well as the increased level of progesterone in the body during pregnancy can lead to constipation. But women who are active often do not suffer from constipation.

* Lowers Blood Pressure

Blood pressure will occasionally rise during pregnancy, but if it’s happening too often or rising too high, it can lead to preeclampsia. Staying active can help reduce your risk of obstetrical complications like high blood pressure. A 2000 study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine found that 10 weeks of moderate exercise lowered the diastolic blood pressure among pregnant women at risk of hypertensive disorders. The reductions were probably due to the effect of exercise itself, not to weight or overall daily physical activity levels.

* Prevents Gestational Diabetes

Regular exercise right from the initial stage of pregnancy can help prevent gestational diabetes, which is very common in women who are obese. Exercise helps prevent unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy as well as improves glucose metabolism and reduces insulin resistance.

* Improves Mood

Exercise is just as effective as medication when it comes to improving your mood during pregnancy. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins in your body, which help improve mood while diminishing stress and anxiety. Plus, it helps you sleep better, which plays an important role in improving your mood and spirit.A 2007 study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness reports that both aqua- and land-based exercise appear to be equally beneficial for pregnant women to engage in to improve mood. Additionally, exercise resulted in enhanced mood in women in their second or third trimesters.