There are some days when your baby bump makes it a bit hard for you to want to get up off the couch. Getting exercise is the last thing on your list of things you want to do. We get it. At the same time,staying active is important to our well-being. It keeps us strong and fit, and it has great health benefits not only for you, but for your baby too. Here are reasons why you should make exercising part of your daily pregnancy routine.
It’s a mood and energy booster
Plain and simple – you’ll feel good after working out. It will leave you feeling stronger and more accomplished. Who doesn’t like that feeling? It will also help spike your energy levels,1 especially on days when you need the extra motivation to turn off the TV and get moving. The last thing you need is more stress and exercising can help lower it and your chances of developing depression, so take that pregnancy hormones!2
Helps with aches and pains
The closer you get to your due date, the heavier your baby will be, and this puts pressure on your joints. Exercise will help to minimize those pesky aches and pains.3 And when you need to pick something up off the floor or get into your clothes in the morning, you’ll have the flexibility you need to navigate around that baby bump.4
Lower your chance of gestational diabetes
Moms with high blood sugar can put themselves and their little one at risk for getting Type II Diabetes.5 Maintaining an active lifestyle can minimize this risk and lower your need for insulin or other medicines to manage it even if still develops, making it seem a lot less scarier.
Keeps constipation and swelling away
Progesterone levels and a growing uterus go hand in hand in causing constipation.6 That’s a yucky feeling. By eating foods high in fiber coupled with exercising will reduce that bloated, constipated feeling.6 Activity will also improve blood flow which will keep swelling down.6 Some down time is relaxing, but by any means, no one wants to spend their pregnancy stuck in bed with their feet elevated.
You could have a better delivery experience
Even if you weren’t pregnant, exercise is great for your cardiovascular system. And don’t forget those abs even if they’re hidden by your bump. A strong core and cardiovascular system will help you handle labor pains and make pushing easier.7 And if you have a strong cardiovascular system, your baby is more likely to have a stronger heart.7 Plus, if you’re in great shape pre-baby, you’ll bounce back faster post-baby.7
With all the great benefits you and your baby will get from being active during pregnancy, you’ll find the motivation you need to get on your feet and get moving!
Disclaimer: PerkinElmer and ViaCord do not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medication, or treatments. All information presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
References:
1, 3, 5. Pregnancy and exercise: Baby, let's move! (2019, June 15). Retrieved June 30, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-and-exercise/art-20046896
4. Exercise During Pregnancy. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2020, from https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/exercise-during-pregnancy
6-8. Schlosberg, S. (n.d.). 33 Reasons to Exercise Now. Retrieved June 30, 2020, from https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/fitness/ten-reasons-to-get-off-the-couch/
