It doesn’t matter whether you’re a novice or a gym rat – moderate workouts while pregnant can have wonderful affects on your body both during and after pregnancy.

Top 10 benefits of pregnancy exercise:

• Mood lifting.
  

  Exercise increases levels of seratonin, a brain chemical linked to (happier) moods.

• Birth prep.
  

  Labor requires stamina and focus, so the fitter you are the more endurance you’ll have when you’ll need it most.

• Reduce constipation.
  

  One of those unfortunate side affects of pregnancy, constipation can be eased with exercise, which accelerates movement in your intestines.

• Weight control.
  

  It’ll be easier for you to return to your pre-pregnancy weight after your baby is born since you’ll gain less body fat from exercising.

• Maintain fitness.
  

  If you were a regular exerciser before pregnancy, you’ll have an easier time staying in shape if you continue to exercise throughout your pregnancy (even though it’s less strenuous).

• Reduce stress.
  

  Pregnancy is a joyful and a stressful time – exercise helps keep those mood dips in check.

• Pain reducer.
  

  Pregnancy brings many aches and pains with it. Exercise helps alleviate back pain and strain as your belly grows.

• Self-image booster.
  

  Exercise increases the blood flow to your skin, so that pregnancy glow of yours will be even more radiant.

• Me-time.
  

  Savor this time for yourself – it’s the last time you’ll enjoy an hour to yourself before your baby is born.

• Easier recovery.
  

  Exercise is a good way to prepare your body for the physical strain of labor so your post-labor recovery time could be shorter.

Safety Reminders:

• The change in your hormones during pregnancy such as relaxin, causese your ligaments to soften and increase your risk of joint injuries.
• As your belly grows your center of gravity changes, which will affect your balance. Also, the weight gain puts greater strain on your joints and muscles.
• During pregnancy, your resting heart rate increases, making pre-pregnancy heart rate targets during exercise no longer applicable. During the second trimester your blood pressure will drop so it’s important to avoid activities that involve sudden changes of position.
• Never exercise so hard that you’re puffing and panting – your growing baby needs oxygen.