Give into your desires to go to the gym, a yoga class or on a long brisk walk. Just because you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean you have to neglect your fitness routine. Work with your physician or midwife to develop a workout to fit your pregnancy. Exercises, like swimming, jogging and dancing, are beneficial to pregnant women.
Step into the Comfort Zone
Exercise can help contribute to a more comfortable pregnancy and labor. The Family Education website recognizes exercising during pregnancy as a factor in helping women deal with labor pains and possibly reducing the need for medication while in labor. The Expectant Mother’s Guide also credits working out during pregnancy for reducing common pregnancy annoyances, like varicose veins, constipation and body aches.
Pump Up Your Energy Levels
Pregnancy makes women all too familiar with the daily nap. The simplest things make you tired, and all you want to do is sleep. Exercising during your pregnancy can help alleviate the tired-all-the-time feeling and give you the energy you need to set up the nursery, shop for the baby and function at work. The Baby Center notes that exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system, which helps reduce the desire to sleep.
Feel Good About Your Body
It’s difficult to see your body go through changes during pregnancy. With a consistent workout routine, you’ll feel better about the weight you’re gaining, knowing that you’re doing something to maintain your fitness level. Whether you do 30-minutes of cardio in the morning or a yoga session in the evening, exercising during pregnancy can help you feel good about your body. The Kids Health website notes that the blood flow from exercise even contributes to healthy, glowing skin.
Sleep Better
Work out at the end of the day, take a hot shower and prepare for bed. While workouts can energize you, they can also help you wind your body down at the end of the night as you prepare to settle down for sleep.
Get Closer to Your Spouse
Get in shape with your partner by working out together during your pregnancy. Invest in each other’s health and the health of your baby by working out as a couple. The Pregnancy Today website suggests that working out together helps couples bond as they await the arrival of their new baby.
Get Back into Pre-Pregnancy Clothes
Exercising during pregnancy can help ease the weight loss process post-baby. The Kids Health website suggests that women who worked out pre-baby should continue to work out while pregnant, because they’ll gain less fat weight.
Photo Credit
- pregnant #3 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
