Why You Should Exercise During Pregnancy (PowerUp Challenge Post)

Image Source: Pexels

Just because you are pregnant does not mean you have to live in a glass box, despite what some might say. Your energy levels might not be what it was before but don't use it as an excuse not to do any exercise at all.

In fact, exercising while preggers can help alleviate some symptoms and also pump fresh oxygen to your little growing human.

Why Workout During Pregnancy?

The logic is simple:

"Healthy Mama, Healthy Baby!"

But if you need some more reasons, here are a few:

1. Prevent picking up too much excess weight. The less weight you pick up now, the less you will have to lose post birth.
2. There is less chance of you becoming constipated as its a common problem amongst preggo eggos.
3. Women who work oy during pregnancy report better moods and higher energy levels.
4. Exercising limits swelling and improve blood flow, so you likely to get less leg swelling.
5. The extra exertion during workouts will help you to sleep better!
6. Improve posture and decrease backaches and fatigue.
7. Working out also allows smokers to better deal with going cold turkey during pregnancy as it helps to reduce cravings.
8. Build more stamina needed for labour.
9. Studies also show that being active during pregnancy relives stress and you are less likely to succumb to prenatal depression.
10. Your Baby will be healthier overall. Studies report healthier hearts, higher levels of intelligence and better memory retention for kids who's mom's worked out during pregnancy.

In addition to all that, you will look and feel better! When has exercise ever been a bad thing?

Appropriate Exercises During Pregnancy

Now I'm not saying you should run marathons or compete in CrossFit leagues, but instead, find simple alternatives that will help you stay fit.

My OB advised that I continue doing all the activities that I did before. I am an avid runner and hiker, and I kept going. Now that I'm halfway through, Running has turned to walking and I choose less strenuous hikes.

I also try and do a little bit of exercise each day for 15 to 30 mins. Remember everyone is different, so you just have to do what works for you!

Experts advise on the following activities:

• Walking
• Water exercise
• Prenatal Yoga
• Prenatal Pilates
• Light Weight Training

Warning

• Don't go too hard too soon and also access how you are feeling that day.
• Keep it light if you need to as long as you keep moving.
• And most importantly, always consult your doctor before!

I'd love to hear from you! If you like what you read, pop me a line in the comments and don't forget to #powerup!

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This has been a part of @cgbartow 's PowerUP Challenge that you can read about here. I was challenged by @tamala as punishment for messing with her, be careful of that one LOL.

Your Task If You Choose to Accept It

1. Create a post using 100% powerup
2. Use the word “powerup” in your title so that others may know what it is instantly
3. Use the tag #communitygrowthproject as one of your tags on the post that I may upvote you at 100% from both my personal and CGP accounts. Estimate .04 cents upvote
4. Tag 5 people and add these instructions at the bottom of your post so the Community Growth Project may find and support them as well
5. Resteem this post to give more awareness to the movement
6. Use #powerup as the last line of your post

I Challenge:

@chekohler, @maquemali, @gholsa, @haritakurdu and @batman0916.

Much Love From Sunny Cape Town, @mimismartypants

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Sources:

• WebMB
• Fit Pregnancy