The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy pregnant women get at least 2 1/2 hours of aerobic exercise every week. Of course, if you're not a fitness buff before you get pregnant, you'll want to build slowly into routine. Aim to build up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days. What qualifies? Walking, swimming (just ask Natalie Portman!), elliptical, spinning and prenatal yoga are all great exercises during pregnancy, in their ability to build strength, endurance and ease the impact to joints. Make sure not to overdo it: maintain a comfortable breath pace (still able to talk during it), drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout, and avoid overheating. Work in some prenatal yoga hip openers after each workout to build flexibility, get ready to labor, and enjoy a few moments of come.
Why is exercise so important in pregnancy? For one, it eases pains associated with pregnancy and leads to an easier labor. It can help prevent gestational diabetes that sometimes develops during pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, regular exercise and changes in diet can help control it.
Exercise also stimulates endorphins, making you feel better physically and emotionally. This will help you sleep easier and deal with the stress associated with big life changes and those changing hormones. It can help to ease postpartum "baby blues," and when you're fit before baby, working out to lose the post-baby weight is far less of a struggle.
Strong arms, legs and core muscles will make carrying that ever-expanding belly less daunting, it's great for baby, and you'll have no problem slinging that infant car seat from place to place once baby is born! Once your a mom, you've got someone depending on you forever. Give them the gift of a healthy parent and start an exercise routine in pregnancy, that will create good habits into postpartum recovery and beyond. The long-term benefits of regular exercise are lower risk of premature death, heart disease and other serious illnesses. Demonstrate healthy behaviors, and you'll raise healthy and well kids.
Before you start prenatal yoga or any exercise, tell your doctor. Not all pregnant women should exercise, especially if they have been deeemed a high-risk pregnancy, or suffer from a serious ailment, like heart or lung disease.
When you exercise, pay attention to your body and how you feel. If you have any serious problems, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, headaches, chest pain, decreased fetal movement or contractions, stop exercising and contact your health care provider immediately.
Why is exercise so important in pregnancy? For one, it eases pains associated with pregnancy and leads to an easier labor. It can help prevent gestational diabetes that sometimes develops during pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, regular exercise and changes in diet can help control it.
Exercise also stimulates endorphins, making you feel better physically and emotionally. This will help you sleep easier and deal with the stress associated with big life changes and those changing hormones. It can help to ease postpartum "baby blues," and when you're fit before baby, working out to lose the post-baby weight is far less of a struggle.
Strong arms, legs and core muscles will make carrying that ever-expanding belly less daunting, it's great for baby, and you'll have no problem slinging that infant car seat from place to place once baby is born! Once your a mom, you've got someone depending on you forever. Give them the gift of a healthy parent and start an exercise routine in pregnancy, that will create good habits into postpartum recovery and beyond. The long-term benefits of regular exercise are lower risk of premature death, heart disease and other serious illnesses. Demonstrate healthy behaviors, and you'll raise healthy and well kids.
Before you start prenatal yoga or any exercise, tell your doctor. Not all pregnant women should exercise, especially if they have been deeemed a high-risk pregnancy, or suffer from a serious ailment, like heart or lung disease.
When you exercise, pay attention to your body and how you feel. If you have any serious problems, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, headaches, chest pain, decreased fetal movement or contractions, stop exercising and contact your health care provider immediately.
