There’s a lot of mythology out there surrounding the idea of exercise during pregnancy. The pure fact of the matter is that, barring any specific medical condition that puts your pregnancy at risk, a regular amount of mild to moderate exercise is not only permissible during pregnancy, it can actually help you to have a healthier pregnancy and to help your body get ready for the thoroughly traumatic physical experience of labor and delivery.
Here are some basic ideas about pregnancy exercise to keep in mind:
- Start by talking to your doctor. Even if you had a regular exercise regimen before you became pregnant, you need to discuss it with your health care provider. Your doctor will be able to help identify potential problems with your exercise habits, or to determine if your regimen should be changed at all now that you’re pregnant.
- The biggest dangers come from injury. This is true when it comes to exercise, whether or not you’re pregnant. The worst potential problems for pregnancy exercise have to do with activities that pose a risk of falling, or of abdominal impact. Stay away from these kinds of activities when you exercise during pregnancy.
- Exercise is good for both you and your baby. Regular exercise helps you keep in shape, but it also keeps your body working like it should so as to help your baby grow and develop. Exercise helps maintain good blood pressure, and it helps with digesting as well as the transfer of important nutrients to your baby.
- Exercise prepares you for childbirth. At least, exercise can prepare you for childbirth. It helps increase your stamina. It can also help to strengthen your muscles, which will help to reduce cramping and other difficulties during labor and delivery.
Exercise during pregnancy is not only allowed. It’s one of the best things that you can do for both you and for your baby while you are pregnant.
