Fit Pregnancy
Healthy guidelines for expectant moms

Are you thinking of giving up your regular pre-pregnancy work-outs? Wondering if it’s safe to start an exercise plan during pregnancy? Don’t throw in the towel just yet. Put down the fudge pop and find answers to these questions and learn other facts on having a fit pregnancy.

Why Should You Exercise During Pregnancy?
As much as we might not like to admit it, we know that pregnant or not, exercise is one of the best things we can do for both our physical and emotional health. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women without health problems or pregnancy complications should exercise moderately for 30 minutes or more on most, if not all, days of the week.

Need more incentive to get up off the couch? Read on.
 
• Ease and prevention of the aches and pains of pregnancy including constipation, varicose veins, backaches, and exhaustion. None of these are fun- especially when you are toting around an extra 20 pounds.
• Active women seem to be better prepared for labor and delivery and recover more quickly.  Makes sense to me.  
• Exercise may lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy. Pay attention ladies. It may be fun for a day but none of us want to be confined to bed rest for months on end.  
• Fit women have an easier time getting back to a healthy weight after delivery. Who doesn’t want to bounce back to that pre-baby body?
• Regular exercise may improve sleep during pregnancy. When sleepless and pregnant- try it, it worked for me.
• Staying active can protect emotional health. Pregnant women who exercise seem to have better self-esteem and a lower risk of depression and anxiety. This should be one of the most exciting times of your life. You are experiencing the miracle of a life growing inside you. Take a walk. Be happy.  

Convinced yet? Exercise moderately. It’s good for you and good for your baby. OK… once a week, you can count lifting that fudge pop to your mouth as a bicep curl- we won’t tell.  

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