Why Prenatal Fitness?
Some of the benefits of prenatal exercise include:
- maintain or increase cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and flexibility,
- reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, Caesarean section, back pain, anxiety, nausea, heartburn, insomnia and leg cramps.
- improve posture and increase energy level ,
- lower incidence of excessive weight gain,
- decrease length of labor and delivery complications,
- better and faster recovery from childbirth.
Pregnancy is a good period of time for positive health-behavior change as new Moms feel more motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle as it would impact their unborn child.
Pregnant women, without any contraindications or high risk, can continue most exercises with appropriate modifications, with the exception of high risk exercises like contact sports, activities with high risk of falling, scuba diving, sky diving and Hot Yoga/Pilates.
It is also important to note that as we progress in the pregnancy, our center of gravity is changing, and so are our postures. During the 2nd and 3rd trimester, avoid exercising in a supine position (face up, lying on back) as the fetus will compress the vena cava, a large vein that carries blood back to the heart. Exercise in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated room and stay well-hydrated throughout the exercise session.
Swimming and walking are good exercises you can start with. Be sure to have a small snack before you begin your exercise. Not sure what to do or want to find out more? Do contact us for a complimentary trial here.
Oooosh to a fit pregnancy and a fit mama-to-be!
