- 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.