Pregnancy Exercises For Healthy Childbirth

Prenatal

oi-Suparna Chakaraborthy

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 11:35

Exercise during pregnancy is very important for a healthy child and mother. The first requirement for exercise is to prepare your body for childbirth. Pregnancy exercises strengthens your muscles and also maintains your body posture. Working out during pregnancy is also beneficial to your body post pregnancy. It helps maintain posture, prevent stretch marks, prevent pregnancy flab etc. Pregnancy exercises help release the relaxing hormone, which helps to loosen your joints and thus relief you from body pain.

Exercises for early pregnancy and advanced pregnancy are different. Every pregnancy is different from the other, according to the body type. Thus, a clear understanding about the requirement of the body should be discussed with the physical trainer.

Pregnancy Exercises -

1.Swimming – Recent research has proved swimming as one of the best pregnancy exercises. The main benefit of swimming during pregnancy is that it makes the pregnant woman feel less weight, which is relaxing. It also is a great exercise and works on the stiff muscles. While swimming, make sure to take the stroke which you are most comfortable with. Aquanatal classes is yet another form of exercise which is gaining popularity among pregnant woman. This kind of exercise lessens leg swelling and also controls pregnancy weight gain.

2.Walking – If you are not working regularly, make sure you go for a walk three times a week. Walking is a complete workout. It also helps in maintaining the energy level, loosen the muscles and strengthen the muscles. While walking it should be 10 minutes of brisk walking and then 20 minutes of slow walking. Make sure you drink water while walking and to keep you hydrated. Stop walking the time when you are tired and take rest till the time you feel comfortable.

3.Stretching – Stretching exercises is very important during pregnancy. During pregnancy due to excess weight, the muscles cramp is a common problem. This might create problem during labour and delivery. Thus, to loosen the muscles, one should do stretching exercises. Stretching exercises also assures proper blood circulation, which is important for a healthy pregnancy.

4.Pilates – Pilates is an exercise which works on the pelvic muscles. The pelvic floor muscles runs between your legs to your public bone and then runs to your spine. The pelvic floor muscle holds your bladder, uterus and the bowel in place. If this muscle is weak it can create complication in childbirth. Pilates workout on stomach and the pelvic muscle. This is the best position during pregnancy.

Follow these pregnancy exercises for a healthy childbirth and a healthy you. But all the exercises should be done after the consulting the doctor and under the supervision of a good trainer.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.