Regular exercise presents numerous benefits. And that’s all good. But is it suitable for pregnant women?
The short answer is a resounding yes. Physical activity benefits you and the baby, but there are certain limitations. You cannot exercise to the point of exhaustion, and you’ll also need a doctor’s approval.
Here are some of the benefits of exercise for pregnant women.
Reduced Risk of Delivery Complications
A lot of things could go wrong on the delivery day, including an unplanned caesarian section. And nobody wants that. But the good thing is you have nine months to prepare. So, the idea is to do the recommended exercises for at least three times a week. The result? You’ll experience short labour, less exhaustion, and fewer medical interventions.
Faster Post Delivery Recovery
According to a 2012 study, women who exercised during pregnancy bounced back faster than those who didn’t. They were also able to resume their routine household chores in 6 to 8 weeks.
Women who did not exercise took several months to recover and get back to their regular activities. During this time, most of them felt like their body had turned against them. So you might want to keep your body active thought the pregnancy.
Lower Blood Pressure
The blood pressure (BP) of a pregnant woman fluctuates, depending on the trimester. Sometimes, it can go too high, causing problems for the baby.
A high BP results in decreased blood to the placenta, so the baby gets less oxygen and nutrients. This situation can lead to slow growth, an underweight baby, or premature birth. On the bright side, exercising can solve all these problems. It helps regulate the blood pressure leaving you and the baby healthy.
The Bottom Line
Exercise is vital for pregnant women. It will not only enhance the mother’s life, but it also assures them of a healthy baby.