As
well as improving your fitness, regular exercise will help you maintain
a better self-image, & feel more positive about yourself & your
pregnancy. A well-devised antenatal exercise programme will mean
a healthier & more comfortable pregnancy, & can even make for
an easier & quicker delivery & a healthier baby. Exercise will
help prepare you for the rigours of labour, by strengthening the
muscles you will need to give birth. Labour is one of the most intense
activities that women undergo, so your improved fitness, strength
& stamina will give you an advantage!
Exercising won’t guarantee you a pain- or complication-free
pregnancy & labour (if only!). But increased fitness will prevent
or alleviate many of the problems & discomforts associated with
pregnancy; & you can give yourself the best possible chance of
coping with, or even enjoying, your birth experience!
Benefits
to You
Improved
balance & strength – better posture & less backache.
Improved circulation & decreased risk of varicose veins
& swelling.
Less discomfort from constipation, haemorrhoids, & other common
pregnancy complaints such as leg cramps.
Prevents excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
Allows for a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight.
Decreased incidence of loss of bladder control during & after pregnancy.
Less risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Less risk of developing pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure).
Less likelihood of intervention during labour, such as ventouse
or forceps.
Reduction in bone density loss whilst breast-feeding.
Aerobic fitness & stamina for the demands of labour.
Speeds recovery & gives you the strength & energy needed to be
a new mother!
