PRE NATAL EXERCISING

Preparing your body for probably the most lengthy & challenging physical endurance activity of your life needs careful planning and consideration.

Many expectant mums think that exercise is counterproductive and is just a down right dangerous activity to be performing whilst pregnant. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that a carefully prescribed exercise program is harmful to expectant mums.

There is however proof that exercise is hugely beneficial.

THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISING DURING PREGNANCY

Improved circulation
Expanding blood volume results in varicose veins, exercise helps ease varicose veins as it increases circulation.
Increased blood volume
Increased size of heart chambers, thus increased heart stroke volume and cardiac output (more blood flowing around the body)
Delivery of more Oxygen to tissues
Increased ability to dissipate heat (increase in blood volume)
Labour is shorter & easier (stronger muscles aid delivery, 27 min ave compared to 59 min ave pushing or second stage delivery time)
Lung function increases (5-10% usually only apparent 6-12 months after pregnancy)
Placenta grows more quickly & functions better in mothers who exercise
Stronger pelvic floor to help with birth & stop leaking urine

Strong muscles stretch easier
Strong abdominals, reduce effects of diastasis recti (stomach muscles pulling apart)
Reduced swelling
Reduced leg cramps
Enhanced muscular balance
Eased gastrointestinal discomforts
Eased and quicker recovery
Reduced maternal weight gain & fat accumulation (ave. of 3.6kg (8lb) less)
Reduction in pain during delivery (elevated levels of endorphins & body own pain killers)
Maintain positive self image
Improvisation of baby’s ability to deal with intermittent diseases in uterine blood flow & oxygen delivery
Babies tend to deal with transition to life outside the uterus better, tend to be alert & easier to care for.

Mothers who exercised for 20 minutes a week moderate to hard right through mid to late pregnancy, restricted foetal fat deposition without affecting the growth of foetal tissues.

Their babies brains, muscles, organs & bones grew at the same rate as non- exercising mothers, but the baby did not get as fat in the process.

Their babies had bigger heads, little bellies, not as much fat on their arms & legs.

Early pregnancy exercise improve growth of baby & decrease maternal symptoms.

Late pregnancy exercise maintains fitness, limits weight gain & shortens labour.

This is the biggest event of your life, can you afford to not be prepared?

PRE NATAL EXERCISING

THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISING DURING PREGNANCY

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