I haven’t done one of my “healthy pregnancy posts” in awhile so I thought it was time…

Exercise and pregnancy – you’re probably thinking that those are two words that do not sound like they should go together. But with all the cravings and eating for two, a little exercise is a good thing. Don’t forget; I’m not a doctor, so you probably should check with your doctor before beginning any major exercise regimen.

Exercise during pregnancy will help you to have a healthy pregnancy and increase the chances of you having a complication free delivery.

Benefits of exercise during pregnancy:

• Reduce the chance of needing a c-section



• Improve the quality of sleep by relieving stress and anxiety that may have you tossing and turning at night



• Prepare your body for labor and delivery


• Improve self esteem and lower depression and anxiety



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• Shorten recovery time after giving birth



• Help maintain a lower and healthy weight gain



• Help you to relieve backaches and maintain proper posture



• Increase the blood flow to your skin, giving you that healthy, pregnancy “glow”

Tips for exercise during pregnancy

• Drink plenty of fluids



• Be sure to stretch but do not over stretch



• During your second and third trimesters, avoid any exercise that requires you to lie on your back as this reduces blood flow to your baby.

t easy and fun exercise is walking. Take walks in the early morning or evening when it’s quiet and cool and you are not only exercising but relaxing too. Invite a friend or your partner to come walk with you.

While exercising, if you begin to experience light headedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and intense pain your back or pelvis, stop exercising and contact your doctor.

Exercises to avoid during pregnancy

• Skiing



• Cycling



• Rollerblading



• Skateboarding



• Horseback riding



• Surfing

And if you prefer a more “zen” way of exercising, yoga is great exercise during pregnancy! Yoga and the aspects of it can help you have more focus and concentration during labor and child birth and can make childbirth smoother and easier.

Check out these sites (also the sources for this article) for more information:
Health and Yoga

Exercise during pregnancy