Why exercise during pregnancy?
Exercise leads to improved circulation, which in turn can reduce the severity of varicosities (varicose veins).
Varicosities are when you develop swollen veins, that are often distinguished by repetitive twists, turns and bends. Building muscular strength may help women reduce the discomfort of varicose veins.
- Exercise can enhance muscular balance and strength. Learning proper posture and how to cope with postural shifts during pregnancy are essential to guarding against muscle and joint soreness.
- Exercise may help reduce swelling and oedema (abnormal swelling) of pregnancy and return mobility to swollen joints.
- Exercise may ease gastro-intestinal discomforts and constipation.
- Exercise may reduce muscle cramps.
- Exercise strengthens abdominal muscles to provide support for the back and contributes to the efficiency of the second stage of labour.
- If a woman is planning an active birth and wants to adopt alternative positions during labour, she will benefit considerably from exercise.
- Exercises that include the physical practice of the birth positions and breathing techniques for giving birth, are also beneficial for women who wish to be active participants.
- Post-partum (after birth) recovery is easier and swifter for women who have exercised prenatally.
- Exercise gives a woman access to her body. She learns to trust and know her body’s cues.
Related articles
Further comfort measures for pain relief
Distractions like breathing, visualising or fixing on one point can take your mind off the pain.
5 mins to read
Levels of fitness
First trimester
Your fitness is likely to decrease. Listen to your body and only do what you feel comfortable doing.
Second trimester
5 mins to read
Monitoring your response to exercise
It is important to monitor your response to your exercise programme by taking your pulse-rate before, during and after exercise.
5 mins to read
Special tests
Ultrasound
5 mins to read
Keys to relaxation
Physical environment
5 mins to read
Criteria for prenatal classes
Instructor’s credentials, for example, midwife, physiotherapist.
Instructor’s specialised training in childbirth education.
5 mins to read
Conception
The fertilised egg divides into two identical cells – then four, then eight, then 16, and then many billions, and 266 days later – your baby.
1 min to read
Sex of the Baby
Women have XX and men have XY chromosomes.
1 min to read
Diagnostic tests
Diagnostic ultrasound
The most important scans are performed at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. These early scans often prove the most accurate in determining the date of birth.
3 mins to read
Relaxation and correct breathing techniques
As your pregnancy advances, the uterus exerts an increased upward pressure on your diaphragm. As you near your due date you may find that you breathe less deeply, although more efficiently.
5 mins to read
Breathing and relaxation
The Pros
-
Offers immediate relief.
-
Decreases tension and offers good pain relief.
5 mins to read
Diagnosis and signs of the pregnancy
Confirm a suspected pregnancy immediately to avoid unnecessary risks to your baby.
1 min to read
Guidelines for exercise during and after pregnancy
Before exercising, during or before pregnancy, it is advisable to eat high fibre, high carbohydrate snacks, such as an apple, dried fruit, banana or whole wheat muffin, as your metabolic functions
5 mins to read
Checklist – before baby arrives
Make sure you have everything you need for your baby's arrival with our checklist. Get organized and feel confident for the big day.
5 mins to read
Health and fitness
Ideally, you should assess your health and fitness. You may need to make some changes to your lifestyle
3 mins to read
Foetal wellbeing tests during late pregnancy
Foetal movement counts (after 28 weeks)
Be aware of your baby’s pattern of movements on a daily basis by counting four foetal movements in the hour after a meal every day.
5 mins to read
Iron in Pregnancy
As a mom, whether you have a child yet or not, you look into the lens of the future to envision memorable moment after memorable moment together.
5 mins to read
Nutrition
Your nutritional status at the time of conception and in the crucial early weeks of pregnancy is significant for the successful outcome of the pregnancy.
1 min to read
Types of exercise
Your safety and that of your baby are of prime importance at all times. You may begin to exercise in early pregnancy and continue for as long as you feel comfortable.
5 mins to read
