The benefits of exercise are very clear for the expectant mother. We can experience the fruits of our labor through better sleep, slower weight gain, improved muscle tone, and less discomfort during pregnancy. The benefits of exercise on our growing fetus are less clear, but no less important– perhaps they are even more so.
~Each time you exercise, baby gets a surge of oxygen to her blood supply. All of her tissues, especially her brain, function at their best.
~Baby recieves an emotional lift from the increase in adreneline at the start of exercise.
~During exercise, baby recieves endorphins, which are morphine like substances that make us feel good and happy. (These are the same endorphins released during a natural unmedicated labor that act as a natural pain relief.)
~After exercise, endorphins continue to relax the body for up to 8 hours-which is of course passed along to baby.
~The motion of exercise is very soothing to baby, he is comforted by the rocking movements.
~During exercise, blood flow is optimum so baby’s growth and development follow suit.
So, exercise more during pregnancy. Perhaps first to feel more comfortable, beautiful, and confident about your newly blossoming body. And then secondly, to make your baby happier, smarter, calmer, stronger, and more relaxed. Amazing, but true!
Of course, check with your doctor or midwife first to make sure that your plan of exercise is right for you. Some exercise is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Scuba diving, horseback riding, contact sports, and anything with a risk of falling would all be examples of contraindicated exercise.
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