Expecting moms tend to be bombarded with information when it comes to what you should and shouldn’t do while pregnant. One important recommendation that many women are not aware of is the recommended amount of physical activity to remain healthy during pregnancy. Prenatal fitness has been shown to provide a multitude of benefits, but many expecting mothers are unsure exactly how to go about staying physically active safely.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get the physical activity your body needs while keeping both you and baby safe. Here are some of the benefits of prenatal fitness and how you can incorporate them into your life:
- Improved energy levels: Regular physical activity can help boost energy levels throughout your entire pregnancy. This can be especially beneficial for those who experience excessive fatigue in the first and third trimesters.
- Reduced discomfort: Regular exercise can help to reduce common pregnancy-related discomforts such as back pain, round ligament pain, constipation, and swelling.
- Weight management: Regular physical activity can help to maintain muscle tone, prevent excessive weight gain, and build strength in areas that will help with labor and delivery.
In order to reap the benefits of prenatal exercise, it’s important to remain active throughout your entire pregnancy. That means being consistent with your workouts, varying the type of exercise you do, and listening to your body when you need to take a break. Swimming, walking, yoga, and other low-impact activities are all great options as they are gentle on your body yet still provide enough intensity to help keep you fit. It’s also important to make sure you stay well hydrated before, during, and after any type of exercise.
Prenatal fitness can be an excellent way to stay healthy during your pregnancy and it’s important to ensure that you are taking the necessary precautions to ensure both your safety and your baby’s. Following these guidelines can help you to remain active without compromising your health or the safety of your unborn child.