One thing that I’ve been doing different for this pregnancy is trying to stay active through light exercises. I’ve never done much exercising in my adult life (although I do own a peculiar amount and variety of fitness wear) but after being told repeatedly by various doctors about how it will help in labour and ease my back problems, it very quickly became a priority for me.
If you’re not much of a fitness buff and need a little more convincing like me, here are some benefits of exercising during pregnancy.
1. Energy Boost
This has always been a counter intuitive one for me. I have mild anemia pre-pregnancy so it’s a lot worse during pregnancy and I often struggle with little tasks. Just doing the dishes sometimes leave me breathless, dizzy and out of energy. Most days, I have to battle the urge to just lay in bed with exercise being the last thing on my mind. However, I do find myself enjoying an energy boost even after a short 10 minute pregnancy warm up from the comfort of my living room. I love how it revives me and gets me going.
2. Efficiency of Labour
‘The fitter your body is, the more efficient it tends to be at labour’. This piece of advice from my OB has stayed with me and I definitely am hoping for a smoother, more efficient labour this time round after having a terrible experience the last time for 18 hours. Labour involves endurance and stamina amongst others and some research has even shown that pregnant women who exercise more might have shorter labours.
3. Helps with physical discomfort
I have quite severe back pain and tail bone pain during pregnancy stemming from a bad back condition from my teenage years. Some days, I can only limp around or walk really slowly. Again, all it makes me want to do is lay down and not move much. However, some slow and gentle stretches suggested by my physiotherapist have really helped to ease the pain and strain. My physio also mentioned that many pregnant women put up with a lot of pain and discomfort when some simple stretches can really make a difference. If you also suffer from a lot of physical discomfort, light stretches and exercises are worth looking into. Although I can’t say it’s a cure-all, it can certainly make a lot of difference from my own personal experience.
4. Mood Lifter
As with any other exercise, serotonin is produced in the brain, helping to lift your moods. Keeping active helps to reduce stress, anxiety and gives you an overall happy boost. I find that exercise puts that extra spring in my step and helps me do other tasks with a little bit more ease and efficiency. Research has also shown that keeping active can help lower the chances of pre and post natal depression.
I do most of my stretches and exercises in the comfort of my own home since it’s difficult for me to get time alone to go outside without my 3 year old. I do a mixture of pregnancy warm ups from youtube and from my physiotherapist. As always, be sure to check with your doctor about the suitability of the exercises during pregnancy and remember to take it easy!
Good luck with the exercise, it does help but it’s hard to find the time! My third labour was hands down the easiest, fingers crossed it’s the same for you!
It’s definitely hard to find time! Thanks, I definitely hope I have it easier this time 🙂
I’m definitely going to be exercising more next pregnancy. I had a lot of complications in the first one {my pelvis separated at 30 weeks + others} so hoping to avoid them next time. Plus I’m not working any more so its easier to be lazy and I really need to get out of that mindset before I have another baby.
Hi Toni 🙂 It’s great how you’re getting in the frame of mind before you get pregnant. That’s ideally what I should have done – prep my body and health for pregnancy even before.
I agree doing exercise during pregnancy is very good for you. During my pregnancy I would jog for 2 miles and it certainly kept me active through out the day. Keep continuing what you are doing and you’re doing a great job.
Thanks Cynthia! Wow I never jogged much even when I wasn’t pregnant. I’m keen to pick it up after I give birth.
I’m a big fan of exercise, because I just feel so much better for it. Once you start, it’s quite addictive. Good on you for jumping in 🙂
It is a lot easier once you get in the momentum 🙂
I did Denise Austin videos while pregnant, they were only 30 minutes, quick and adapted for pregnant women. My daughter was born 3 weeks early, and I was in active labor for just a few hours. They nicknamed her the “popcorn baby”. Exercise is key!
Oh I definitely wish for my popcorn baby!! I’ve watched and followed some Denise Austin videos as well 🙂