Exercise During Pregnancy Does Wonders:
- It boosts mood
-It mproves sleep
- It reduces aches and pains.
- It also prepares you for childbirth by strengthening muscles and building endurance
- It makes it much easier to get back in shape after your baby is born.
Research suggests that prenatal exercise may also lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes and Preeclampsia. If you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, exercise can help you manage the condition and prevent complications.
Exercise is so beneficial that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies aim to exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes a day with moderate intensity on most or all days of the week. The ideal workout gets your heart pumping, keeps you limber, manages weight gain, and prepares your muscles to handle the physical demands of pregnancy and the postpartum period without causing undue physical stress for you or the baby.
Consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program. If you get the go-ahead to work out, be sure to listen to your body. Don't overdo it – stop if it hurts or feels uncomfortable.
And before you put on your sneakers, learn the rules of safe pregnancy exercise! Many gyms and community centers offer fitness classes designed specifically for pregnant women and have instructors who can offer expert guidance on exercising safely.
The following activities are usually safe for expectant moms, although some of them may not work for you as you near your due date.