Tue, 08/10/2021 - 16:44
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Times have changed tremendously since our parents and grandparents gave birth. Gone are the days where pregnancy is the time to kick back and put your feet up. Study after study has now proven that exercise has many health benefits for both mom and baby and if you are having a healthy, singleton pregnancy, most OBGYN’s will recommend that you continue to engage in the same types of exercise that you were doing before you became pregnant and then modify where necessary as your pregnancy progresses. This can include anything from swimming and dance cardio to strength training and Yoga.
If you are new to working out, pregnancy is a great time to make some of the healthy changes you have been meaning to get around to. Many women can thank pregnancy for getting them to their healthiest selves and kicking unhealthy habits to the curb. Of course, if you are going to start a new exercise regimen, make sure to work closely with your healthcare provider for guidance. If you have never run a mile, pregnancy would not be the time to train for a marathon.
With that said, the ACOG recommends pregnant women engage in 20-30 minutes of exercise per day or 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity as long as there is no obstetric complications. There are many benefits for mom and baby that are beyond that of keeping your pre-baby body!
What are they? To name only a few...
Pre-natal fitness helps with weight management during pregnancy. And there are strong links to both decreased risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia as well as decreased need for interventions and pain relief during labor and delivery helping ensure you have the healthiest pregnancy. Plus, working our while pregnant can help boost your energy levels and promote better sleep!
The proper exercise regimen can also make your postpartum transition /after birth physically and emotionally is easier. Research even shows a direct correlation between prenatal fitness and a lowered risk of postpartum depression.
The benefits of exercise during pregnancy doesn’t stop with you. The baby reaps the benefits as well. Studies show increased intelligence and overall increased gross motor development in babies of mothers who exercise during pregnancy.
Put simply your pregnancy is healthier, your delivery is smoother, the “bounce back” is easier, and your little one also gets a leg up in life (no pun intended).
The list of benefits goes on and on which is exactly why I created Taylor Walker Prenatal Fitness program on The Fitness App. To help all the beautiful mommies out there reap all the amazing benefits of safe smart fitness. So, use this 40-week journey to get to know your body on a whole new level, use exercise as a way to prepare for labor and delivery and know that you are already offering your baby nourishment in mind and body from the inside out.
-Taylor Walker