Exercising during pregnancy is a difficult topic and many people are unsure whether it’s a good idea or not. Vigorous exercise should be avoided, but there are some Benefits & Challenges Of Exercising While Pregnant. However, there are risks involved and you need to consider the downsides too. So, should you be exercising while pregnant?
Benefits of exercising while pregnant
Reducing pregnancy-related risks
One of the biggest reasons to exercise while pregnant is that it can reduce some of the pregnancy-related risks. Gestational diabetes mellitus, often known as pregnancy diabetes, is a condition caused by issues with the hormone insulin during pregnancy. It affects around 5% of mothers and if not managed correctly, it can cause the baby to gain weight in the womb, making delivery more difficult. Usually, the condition goes away after giving birth, but it can cause a lot of complications during the pregnancy. Studies show that regular exercise during pregnancy can help to manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risks of pregnancy diabetes.
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Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. In severe cases, it can lead to problems with the kidneys and liver, and restrict the growth of the baby. However, exercise can help to prevent it.
Improved mental health
Pregnancy is just as tough mentally as it is physically, and many people experience depression during pregnancy. Finding ways to manage this is so important. Exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective natural ways to improve your mental health, so it can help you stay positive during pregnancy.
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Weight management
Being overweight leads to a lot of added risks during pregnancy and birth, so managing your weight is crucial. Naturally, you will gain a lot of weight during your pregnancy but exercise can help you keep things balanced. It can also speed up the process of losing weight again after the baby is born.
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Challenges you should be aware of
Although exercising during pregnancy is safe, there are some challenges and potential risks you should be aware of.
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Incontinence
Incontinence is an issue for most people during and after pregnancy. If you are doing light exercise like walking towards the end of your pregnancy, it can make things a lot worse. So, make sure that you have some good incontinence briefs to help you manage it. This isn’t a reason to avoid exercise, but you should be aware of it and take steps to deal with it.
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Premature contractions
In some cases, exercising while pregnant can lead to premature contractions. Although the risks are not fully understood, this is something that you should be aware of if you are exercising. In some cases, exercise can cause too much blood flow to go to the muscles, leading to a lack of oxygen in the placenta. However, there is no proven risk to the baby as a result of this.
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Exercising during pregnancy is safe, but you should always consult a doctor first, and make sure that you are aware of the potential risks.
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