Exercise and Physical Activity during Pregnancy: Benefits and Guidelines

Every woman experiences physical and psychological changes throughout pregnancy. A healthy and active lifestyle becomes essential for pregnant moms during pregnancy. The component that guarantees attainment of that aim is exercise. Physical activity and exercise are typically safe and healthy throughout pregnancy. To guarantee total safety, they should be carried out while following the precautions and instructions advised by doctors.

Leading gynaecologist Dr. Deepika from a Panchkula maternity clinic offers some insightful advantages and recommendations for exercising while pregnant:

Benefits: 1. Overall well-being:- Regular exercise throughout pregnancy benefits the expectant mother's general health. It guarantees cardiovascular health, muscular building, and general fitness. Backaches, constipation, and edoema associated with pregnancy might also be lessened by it.

2. Improved mental health:- Exercise releases the 'feel-good hormone' endorphins. This promotes sound sleep, lessens tension and anxiety, and combats mood swings.

3. Health Weight maintenance:- Both the expecting woman and the foetus depend on the mother's ability to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Exercise aids in weight reduction after childbirth and prevents unwelcome weight gain.

4. Stamina building and Labor preparation:- Stamina strengthening is crucial since pregnancy demands a lot of physical endurance. Exercise increases endurance and gets the body ready for the physically demanding labour and delivery process.

5. Reduction of Gestational Diabetes & Preeclampsia risk:- Exercise has been shown to lower the chance that gestational diabetes, a disorder that affects blood sugar levels during pregnancy, may develop. Exercise also lowers the incidence of Preeclampsia, a dangerous high blood pressure pregnancy condition.

Guidelines: 1. Consult a gynecologist:- Before starting a new fitness routine during pregnancy or continuing an existing one, a doctor should be contacted. He/she will evaluate the expecting mother's general health and create a customized fitness program with any necessary constraints in mind.

2. Engage in low-impact activities:- It is advised to choose low-impact workouts over intense, rigorous training when pregnant. Exercises like water aerobics, walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and prenatal yoga should be performed. They also help the cardiovascular system and lower the chance of harm.

3. Exercise warm-up and cool-down:- Before exercising, the body has to be well prepared. Stretching or gentle aerobics might help warm up the body. Similar to this, the body should be cooled down after exercise by returning to its normal heart rate.

4. Proper Hydration:- It is important to be well hydrated before, during, and after exercise. Water consumption is advised in large amounts. It is suggested to exercise in a well-ventilated space, use breathable clothing, and avoid overheated situations. All of this helps to prevent overheating of the body.

5.Modifications as and when required:- Exercise regimens may need to be modified as the pregnancy progresses to account for the changes in the body. It entails altering the workouts to account for the expanding stomach and avoiding actions like laying flat on one's back.

Pregnant women who regularly exercise are more physically and mentally healthy. During pregnancy and childbirth, a well-planned fitness program that is adhered to according to suitable recommendations can offer exponential benefits.

Visit the best maternity hospital in Panchkula and see Dr. Deepika, a renowned gynaecologist, for advice and a customized fitness program.

https://drdeepika.com/2023/07/10/exercise-and-physical-activity-during-pregnancy-benefits-and-guidelines/