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Pregnancy Exercises: Benefits, Facts & Stats
Saturday 4th February 2017
The benefits of exercise during pregnancy are well documented. Numerous studies demonstrate a positive effect on both an expectant mum's health and her baby's health - to the extent that women are now being encouraged to get Active for 2. Pregnancy exercise does much more than improve a mother's well-being - it can aid the development of your baby's heart and brain too. If you're struggling to find motivation, these facts about the benefits of pregnancy exercise may help get you started.
For Mum
Reduced incidence of lower back pain
A 30% reduction in the risk of gestation diabetes
Reduced likelihood of unplanned cesarean
Lower incidence and reduced severity of depression
Less pregnancy weight gain
Lower risk of urinary incontinence
Reduce incidents of pregnancy constipation
Less pregnancy tiredness
For Baby
A healthier heart
Normal birth weight
Quicker to develop neurologically
Reduced risk of respiratory distress syndrome (for infants of high-risk women)
Why exercise in pregnancy?
The benefits of exercise during pregnancy are becoming increasingly evident. Pregnancy exercise can improve an expectant mum's experience of pregnancy in many ways.
The benefits for your baby could last them a lifetime. Babies born to mothers who exercise in pregnancy are more likely to:
- Develop a healthier heart with a lower resting heart rate after birth
- Be born at what is considered a 'normal' birth weight, rather than overweight
- Be born with more mature brains and are quicker to develop neurologically
- Experience a reduced risk of respiratory distress at birth (if born to high-risk mothers)
If you're feeling motivated to get Active for 2, just be sure to speak to your doctor or midwife before you begin.
