Getting fit for labour

As you may already be aware, carrying your bump around can wear you out so much that even lifting a finger takes great effort. However, you still need to take some time to exercise. Regular exercise actually helps to boost your energy levels, which will enable you to get through your daily tasks and cope with demanding schedules.

A mum-to-be should pursue activities that will provide a good level of physical exertion. It can be as simple as taking a walk everyday, or going for a swim. It is however important to consult your doctor or midwife first.

Usually, it is safe to exercise during pregnancy, as long as you don’t engage in extremely vigorous activities and are careful not to overexert yourself. Being fit in pregnancy is important because the better the shape you are in, the stronger you will be, come labour and delivery time. Giving birth focus.

So a mum who has been exercising may have easier labour and even take a shorter time to deliver the baby.

More reasons …

» As you await your baby’s arrival, the prospect of getting your body size back faster after childbirth should be motivation enough for you to embark on a pregnancy exercise regimen. Maintaining your strength and muscle tone all through your pregnancy, will make it much easier for your body to bounce back to its prepregnancy shape after giving birth.

» Women who exercise during pregnancy have less chances of developing certain conditions like gestational diabetes

» Having a baby is a life changing experience that brings mixed feelings- excitement, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety etc. Exercise boosts levels of a brain chemical called serotonin, which lifts your mood and reduces stress

» Exercise maintains muscular fitness. Women can cope with the physical changes of pregnancy better when they are in good shape. They also tolerate labour better and recover from delivery faster Strong and toned muscles enable you to engage in your activities with less effort

» Overall, regular exercise stretches and strengthens your muscles, which helps your body cope better with the aches and pains that are common in pregnancy

» Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming and stretching ease back pain, improve circulation and strengthen your abdominal muscles.

A mum-to-be should pursue activities that will provide a good level of physical exertion, and it can be as simple as taking a walk everyday.

END: PG32/39