Importance of exercise?

[AnnieMarie]

I am curious as to other's views on how important exercise is during PG.

My MW is adamant that I have to exercise and strengthen my stomach muscles as they are pretty flabby.

I figure that while being fit will increase my stamina for labour, the shape of my stomach muscles cant make that much of a difference - am I wrong here?

I am one of those people who think exercise is wonderful as long as I am not the one doing it...:wink

[elfinbaby]

IMO, the overall goal is to strengthen all your muscles b/c they are interrelated, yk? My last pregnancy I had a wonderful 9 mos. and a beautiful birth with an almost ideal recovery and weight loss. I attribute it to my exercise - walking 5 times a week for about an hr. I got really hooked after awhile and looked forward to my time out of the house where I could just focus on me and the new baby.

Strengthening the stomach muscles is going to help not just with supporting the baby but more importantly helping the back out. Keeping your back strong helps maintain the front and all of it together will help your pelvic floor.

Not only does exercise help with endurance during birthing but I think if you exercise enough to get that endorphin rush regularly (which I never experienced before until my last pregnancy b/c I don't like to exercise), the endorphins will come more quickly and easily during birthing. That's my theory. Also, my metabolism worked super fast and my preg. weight literally fell off of me last time. I didn't even realize it - I had to actually put on some old acid washed jeans from college to go to the mall to buy new clothes!!

I love The Perfect Pregnancy Workout. It simple, plain, no chicks in pink leotards saying "You're beautiful!! You can do it! Yay!" And walking. I think it's great. Make yourself do it. You won't regret it.

April

[prothyraia]

I love The Perfect Pregnancy Workout. It simple, plain, no chicks in pink leotards saying "You're beautiful!! You can do it! Yay!" And walking. I think it's great. Make yourself do it. You won't regret it.
April

Just wanted to second this, I really found this video helpful. I couldn't do all the repetitions of all the excercise at first, but I attribute the fact that didn't have any back problems during my pregnancy and made it through a marathon of a labor to doing this.

I'm pretty lazy about excercising when I'm not pregnant, but when I am I figure I need to get my butt in gear.

[Lizafava]

Its worth it!!!! It seems crazy to even say that walking is good for you in pregnancy. It seems like saying breathing is good for you - its what our bodies are meant to do. Unfortunately, so many of us don't have lifestyles that include lots of daily walking. Walking regularly keeps your body not "in shape" but normal, IMO. Without walking, the pelvic floor is loose and weak, legs are weak and posture suffers. If you have no other excercise then you have really limited endurance!

With my first pregnancy I stayed fit in the early months with jogging and continued to commute on bike for a few months. I walked a lot around the neighborhood, but not a ton. This pregnancy I've been focusing on walking about 4 miles at least 4 times a week, in addition to walking to the store and the coffee shop. Its made a huge difference, and I feel great. I feel strong and my pelvic floor seems stronger (try kegeling while walking!). I never lost the pregnancy weight from last time (and really don't care, I know I'm healthy), but have been pleased to see that I haven't gained much this time at all.

I'm a birth professional and have definitely see with clients who are active throughout pregnancy that their labors are easier on them. Recovery seems much easier for women who are active and fit. Yoga and walking seems to be a common combo that works well for lots of women :)

[Mamato2and2]

I think the exercising is vital for pregnant women. Our bodies are preparing for a marathon. We need to be able to keep up. Having said that...this pregnancy I have not exercized at ALL! I have to at least start walking 30 minutes to an hour a day. It will help when you are in labor. Your body will be able to handle it better. I have never done any exercizes while pregnant that specifically target my abs though....maybe I should investigate?????

[ameliabedelia]

Super important IMO. I have relatively easy pregnancies and births. No major problems, no aches and pains, no swelling, no back-ache etc. My midwife said I have strong ab muscles. I attribute it to exercise. I also gave birth at 38.5 weeks (as opposed to 40+) which I attribute to staying active right up until birth.

For my first 2 pregnancies I briskly walked outdoors for 1 hour/day. This time, I am walking indoors (briskly..wearing metatreks (weighted shoes) for 45 minutes a day.

It seems crazy to even say that walking is good for you in pregnancy. It seems like saying breathing is good for you - its what our bodies are meant to do. Unfortunately, so many of us don't have lifestyles that include lots of daily walking. Walking regularly keeps your body not "in shape" but normal, IMO. Without walking, the pelvic floor is loose and weak, legs are weak and posture suffers. If you have no other excercise then you have really limited endurance!


:yeah: I totally agree. Walking a few miles a day is just "normal"...that is how we are designed to be.

[momz3]

I agree with Mika, I think its important. We just purchased a treadmill and I was jogging 3 mi twice a day...now I'm gonna change up my routine. I think light exercise is wonderful and a good relaxation technique. Im doing light walking and prenatal yoga

[3cuties]

Not only is it important for the labor and delivery it is important for your health -- to keep a healthy weight, encouage good circulation, keep your blood pressure low, and regulate your insulin production. It is all super important for you and the baby. :thumb