Pregnancy can be challenging for many women as there are days when even getting out of the bed may seem a difficult task. However it is extremely crucial that women stay fit during their pregnancy period, particularly when the time comes for them to give birth.
Pregnancy fitness through exercise has some definite benefits. It can be difficult to think about exercising when pregnancy causes bloating, morning sickness and a general feeling of tiredness. However moderate exercise can actually help women feel more alert and happy.
Pregnancy often robs women of their energy and exercise regime like brisk walking can provide the much needed pregnancy fitness. This can help women to get the strength and endurance to carry the weight gained during the pregnancy period.
The classic thought about pregnancy is that women who are going to have a baby should rest and not exercise too much. However, the latest research indicates that running on treadmills for pregnant women can have many beneficial effects both for the health of the mother and the baby.
Pregnancy fitness allows a woman to complete her daily tasks and household chores effectively. Exercise during pregnancy helps in strengthening the cardiovascular system and this in turn ensures that the woman does not get tired far too easily. Toned muscles are important as they allow a person to engage in activities with less effort.
A good exercise regime provides the essential pregnancy fitness that allows a woman to cope better with the rigors of labor and the process of delivery. Giving birth to a child requires a great deal of stamina, focus and determination.
Fitness can be attained through regular exercise and this can in fact reduce the length of the labor and reduce any delivery complications. Likewise some other research also indicates that fetuses of those women that exercise tolerate the labor better than those who do not exercise.
Pregnancy fitness attained through proper exercise also helps in strengthening the muscles and this ensures that the body is better able to handle the pains and aches associated with the pregnancy. Back pain is common in pregnancy and exercises like stretches can help reduce that pain. Walking is generally beneficial for the circulation in the body and swimming helps in strengthening the muscles in the abdomen.
Pregnancy fitness is important for the childbirth itself as carrying the pregnancy in the sixth or the seventh month can become quite tedious. The weight gain and tiredness also results in boredom and social activities are often restricted. Exercise can not only provide the much needed pregnancy fitness but also allow women to break away from the monotony of activities. Exercise also helps women to find a comfortable position while sleeping. This is because in pregnancy the extra weight makes it difficult to find a suitable position to sleep in.
Attaining fitness also entails attaining mental relaxation and peace of mind. Pregnancy is a life changing event and it often brings up feelings of depression and anxiety along with the happiness and joy. Exercise boosts levels of serotonin and allows women to feel emotionally happier. After the birth of the baby all the extra weight can adversely affect self esteem of the woman. An important part of pregnancy fitness is being able to lose the weight after the birth. While undertaking exercises it is advisable to do that under the guidance of a professional.
