Okay, without stating the obvious, pregnancy is tough. Your hormones will be all over the place, you’ll be emotional, you’ll struggle to sleep, your joints will ache, you’ll crave foods you previously hated, you’ll go off foods you once enjoyed, you may get sick in the morning and, well, let’s just say it’s no walk in the park.
When you’re dealing with mood swings, morning sickness, and the various other side effects associated with pregnancy, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it.
Contrary to what some incredibly clueless individuals would have you believe, certain types of exercise during pregnancy are not only safe, they are actually encouraged as they can provide a whole host of health benefits to mother and baby.
Here’s a look at several reasons why you should train during pregnancy.
Regulate your weight
During pregnancy you will gain weight, obviously because you’re growing another person inside you, plus there’s the water retention, and the fact that you need to increase your calories as you are now eating for two.
That, however, does not mean that you should let your weight continue to grow and get out of control. Being overweight when pregnant can put extra pressure on your joints, plus it can also put your health at risk and your unborn child’s health at risk.
Moderate exercise during pregnancy will help to burn calories, which in turn will help you to burn fat and control your weight.
Reduce your risk of complications during pregnancy
Another reason to exercise and keep fit during pregnancy is the fact that it can help to reduce your risk of complications during pregnancy.
Studies have found that pregnant women who participate in regular bouts of physical exercise are statistically far less likely to develop conditions such as gestational diabetes.
Enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy
As you could tell from the intro to today’s article, pregnancy isn’t easy and can be incredibly uncomfortable.
Another key reason to train during pregnancy and to stay active while you’re with child is to help ensure that you have a comfortable pregnancy.
Exercise helps to regulate your hormones, your joints won’t be as painful as you’ll regulate your weight, your blood sugar levels will stay stable, and you’ll be less likely to experience stiff muscles and joints.
Put simply, exercising when pregnant will help to ensure that you have a comfortable pregnancy.
Regulate your blood pressure
When pregnant, often times you’ll find that your blood pressure increases. High blood pressure, also known as ‘hypertension’ can lead to serious health issues including those relating to your heart.
Exercise is a great way of regulating blood pressure and reducing it when it is in danger of creeping up and getting a little too high.
Better quality of life
Finally, the reason to train when pregnant is simply due to the fact that it will improve your quality of life.
Exercise gives you something that you enjoy doing, it helps to increase endorphin productions, it helps you to sleep at night, and you can rest easy in the knowledge that it is beneficial for your unborn child.
