Author: Gerard Miller
Pregnancy is the launching point to a special journey that should be positively approached. It’s common that future mothers get discouraged from the physical demands of pregnancy and all the natural body changes that occur. It’s important to keep in mind that exercising during pregnancy not only has physical benefits but also provides peace of mind that can even propel a child’s success throughout its life.
Every mother-to-be should be knowledgeable of the health facts that can potentially improve the childbearing and childbirth process. They also should be armed with opportunities to pounce on actions that will cause a healthier pregnant reality. There is an amplified emphasis on why exercising while pregnant is a wise decision.
Benefits of Exercising While Pregnant
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention “Moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, keeps your heart and lungs healthy during and after pregnancy. Physical activity also helps improve your mood throughout the postpartum period.”
Additional benefits of exercising while pregnant include:
- Decreases the stress on the musculoskeletal system
- Decreases pregnancy-related swelling
- Increases stamina for labor
- Decreases back and pelvic girdle pain
- Improves posture and balance
- Improves relaxation
- Increases energy level
- Gestational diabetes is shown to decrease by 27%
- Active labor time is reduced by 2 hours
- 66% of active moms report better moods throughout their pregnancy
Exercising while pregnant is beneficial not only to the mother but also has a tremendous impact on the child. Developing babies of prenatal exercises are likely to have fitter hearts, better memories and higher scores on intelligence and language tests. Research from the University of Montreal suggests that “women shouldn’t toss out the yoga mat — there is evidence that women who practice while pregnant have calmer babies that sleep better.”
Prenatal Water Exercise gives a total body workout, strengthening the heart and lungs while also reducing stress on joints and improving blood flow, thus reducing pregnancy-related swelling. Prenatal Yoga increases strength, stamina and improves the ability to relax, which helps increase sleep. Yoga for pregnant women has been a growing trend and continues to increase in popularity.
Keep in mind that pregnancy is a new beginning that will have its fair share of mental and physical inconsistent moments. Choosing to be active is a sure way to gain momentum that will boost pregnancy and post-pregnancy fitness success. SwimRVA has made Prenatal Yoga and Water Fitness classes accessible to ensure that mothers-to-be can reach their fullest wellness potential.
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