Exercising during pregnancy has a range of benefits, including contributing to the chance of a smoother delivery, as well as reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. Even if the changes in your body make it tempting to avoid exercise, consider these benefits and then if your doctor agrees, adopt a suitable exercise regime. That said, I don’t like the word regime, doesn’t it sound a bit tough?

Instead, it may help to look at doing exercise during pregnancy as a positive life change for both you and your unborn baby. Even after baby’s birth, if you have a pattern of exercising, this will be very helpful for getting back into shape and getting your hormones as balanced as possible. Let’s look at seven reasons why it is worth the effort of adopting the habit of pregnancy exercise.

The body has to use all of its strength to push the baby out through the pelvic passage and vagina. You will have to exercise your pelvic muscles as well as the rest of your body to ensure that this passage is smooth. Exercising allows the muscles to become supple and pliant. You can begin exercising as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. However, it is very wise to consult with a physician before doing so. This will ensure you that you are healthy enough to start exercising. There are many benefits that come along with exercising during pregnancy.

Weight gain is normal during pregnancy, but you must keep your weight within the prescribed limits. Gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy increases the risk of complications. It will be much harder for you to lose weight during pregnancy if you gain a lot of weight. Additionally, the notion that you have to eat for two is a myth. A weight gain of 11 Kg is considered normal. You will be able to maintain a decent weight if you get plenty of nutritious foods that have fibre, healthy fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals.

This is one of the most common complications diagnosed in pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs because a woman’s blood sugar levels become irregular because of hormonal changes. Exercise during pregnancy helps regulate the blood sugar levels. You can also prevent gestational diabetes by sticking to a healthy diet, no smoking, not drinking alcohol and maintaining a healthy body weight. You can also help prevent gestational diabetes by planning your pregnancies to give enough time between babies.

As you advance in your pregnancy, the baby will grow bigger and change your posture. You will arch your back in order to support the extra weight. This arch will become more pronounced and you will experience pain in your lower back. The muscles in your back and belly are designed to support the joints in the back, but the extra weight puts strain on the muscles. If you do not exercise, your back will be stiff and you may not be able to twist or bend forward. If you exercise, your back will become more flexible and you will be relieved of the ache

This will have the knock on effect on the baby you are carrying, while being great for yourself, plus this good pregnancy experience will help you feel happy about giving baby a younger brother or sister, of course only when the time is right.

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