Merdeka.com – Apart from consuming nutritious foods, exercise also has an important role in maintaining a healthy body. Exercise can be done by anyone, with any age range, and in any condition, including when you are pregnant.
Yes, during pregnancy, exercise can help you stay in shape as well as prepare for labor. Exercise during pregnancy is also one of the keys to maintaining the health of the mother and fetus.
Unfortunately, some pregnant women may feel reluctant to exercise for fear of fatigue or worry that it could harm the fetus. In fact, by following the rules of exercising during pregnancy and limiting their activities, exercise can provide benefits to pregnant women.
Reporting from babycenter.com, here are some of the benefits of exercise for pregnant women that are often overlooked.
Increase Energy
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The benefits of exercise for pregnant women are the first to increase energy. Pregnancy can be a drain on energy, but regular exercise can help you complete daily tasks or cope with a tight schedule more easily. That’s because exercise can strengthen the cardiovascular system, so you don’t tire easily and you have the energy to get through times of stress. In addition, with strong and toned muscles, you can do activities more easily.
Helps Sleep Better
The second benefit of exercise for pregnant women is to help you sleep better. As your pregnancy progresses, it will become increasingly difficult for you to find a comfortable sleeping position. But with exercise, you can feel tired enough to lull you into a deeper sleep.
Lowering the Risk of Complications in Pregnancy
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The third benefit of exercise for pregnant women is that it can reduce the risk of certain pregnancy-related complications. Studies show that exercising during pregnancy can lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. In women with gestational diabetes, regular exercise can make an important difference. One large study found that when women with gestational diabetes exercised three times a week, they reduced their risk of having a (very large) macrosomic baby by 58 percent.
Reduces Discomfort During Pregnancy
The benefit of exercise for the fourth pregnant woman is that it can reduce discomfort during pregnancy. Regular exercise can strengthen muscles, which helps your body deal with aches and pains during pregnancy. Stretching and yoga can also relieve back pain, walking improves circulation, and swimming can strengthen abdominal muscles.
As Preparation for Childbirth
The fifth benefit of exercise for pregnant women is to prepare for childbirth. The better your body is, the better you will be at birth. Childbirth can be likened to running a marathon, because both require stamina, determination, and focus.
Although not well researched, exercise can ease labor and even shorten the time it takes to deliver a baby. A small study recently found that women who participated in a thrice-weekly conditioning program during pregnancy progressed through the first stage of labor more quickly than women who did not attend the program.
Reduces Stress
The next benefit of exercise for pregnant women is that it can reduce stress and improve mood. Pregnancy can be stressful at times and make you vulnerable to mood swings. One study found that exercise can increase levels of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood, which can make you excited.
Recovering the Body Faster
The last benefit of exercise for pregnant women is that it can restore the body faster after giving birth. When you can maintain muscle strength and tone with exercise during pregnancy, your body will recover more easily after giving birth. You’re also less likely to gain weight if you exercise during pregnancy.
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Illustration of Pregnant Women Exercising. © nasm.org
