The Importance of Physical Fitness During Pregnancy Essay

nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is good for any woman to be physically fit throughout her life. However, being in good physical condition before becoming pregnant is substantial. Being fit helps a woman’s body meet the physical demands of carrying and delivering a baby. Regular exercise reduces the occurrence of common pregnancy ailments. Unless a doctor decides against it for medical reasons, pregnant women can and should be active before, during and after pregnancy. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is recommended that pregnant women keep their exercises at a moderate level. Running isn’t recommended unless the mother was a runner before she became pregnant, especially in the third trimester. Some very helpful exercises can include:†¦show more content†¦The third exercise includes relaxation techniques, which help to conserve energy for when it really needs to be used. It helps assist the mind to focus and increase awareness. The fourth type, Kegel exercises, is where the woman contracts the vaginal muscles, as if to stop the flow of urine. This strengthens the muscles that surround the openings of the urethra, vagina and anus, which can become weak due to the constant pressure of pregnancy. It has been shown through studies that exercising aids in strength, flexibility, muscle tone and endurance, all in which help in areas such as carrying extra weight, preparing for the physical stresses of labor and contributing in shedding the pounds postpartum (Gulino 2). Exercise also helps in relieving that excess weight gain, swelling, varicose veins, fatigue and leg cramps. It helps to prevent depression and establish confidence both before and after labor. Exercise lowers stress and improves emotional health. It has been shown through studies that women who exercise during pregnancy have shorter labors as well as a decreased need for painkillers and an epidural during labor and delivery (Hudson 1). nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;A good pregnancy program that is built into a woman’s daily lifestyle has its many benefits. Some helpful hints on what to do are to exercise three to four times a week avoiding bouncyShow MoreRelatedPrenatal and Postpartum Scenario Essay714 Words   |  3 Pagesof your growing baby. The importance of a healthy diet and exercise cannot be more critical during the pregnancy and postpartum stages of a womans life. There are few changes that alter a womans life hormonally, physically, and mentally. So that you can better be prepared for these experiences, I have prepared a healthy activity list below that I believe will positively affect the infants future development and your well being. †¢ Nutrition during and after pregnancy is important. 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