Benefits of Prenatal Exercise
- Maintaining or increasing cardiovascular fitness increases work capacity and energy, which results in improved stamina and endurance.
- Increased muscular strength can decrease the risk of joint and ligament injury due to loosening effects of relaxin and progesterone. Strengthening the upper body prepares mom for the tasks of mothering and helps with posture. Strong abdominal and back muscles, in conjunction with proper posture, take strain off the lower back and pelvic floor.
- Increased muscle endurance is beneficial during labor and delivery. This increased muscle efficiency provides mom with more stamina and increased ability to use correct muscles with the right amount of force.
- Improved balance and coordination
- Improved posture
- Improves energy levels, mood states, self-esteem, recovery time, and functional capacity.
- Improved support of pelvic organs via pelvic floor strength.
- Decreased varicose veins, back pain, leg cramps, swelling, and constipation
- Improved body composition
- Increased energy during pregnancy and faster recovery after delivery
- Quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight
- Decrease in incidences of urinary incontinence
- Decreases need for surgical or medical interventions in delivery
- Helps prevent gestational diabetes
- Studies show that babies have higher AGAR scores if mom exercised and hospital stays were slightly shorter
References:
*Anthony, Lenita. Pre-and Post-Natal Fitness -A Guide for Fitness Professionals from the American Council on Exercise, 2002.
*Watkins, Shelia, Sunny Wang, Mike and Stephanie Morris. C.O.RE. Instructor Manual-Prenatal, 2006.
