Pregnancy and exercise — What you need to know to stay safe, stay motivated.
Source: www.mayoclinic.org
It’s a very exciting time for me and my family, as my twin sister gave birth to my first nephew last week. I’ve been thinking about pregnancy a lot lately, and I am particularly proud of the way my sister handled hers. She was quite active, and exercised right up to 3 days before giving birth. Provided that you have the blessing of your health care provider, exercise during pregnancy provides many benefits:
- Ease or prevent back pain and other discomfort
- Boost your mood and energy levels
- Help you sleep better
- Prevent excess weight gain
- Increase stamina and muscle strength
At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise is recommended on most days. And, walking is a great way to start for beginners.
I would like to reiterate that getting clearance from your doctor is important. But, this article by the Mayo Clinic provides great insight on all the issues you should consider.
