Exercise often helps pregnant women stay in shape and prepare for delivery. Depending on your usual lifestyle, exercise may be very moderate for women that rarely exercise and a little bit more intense for women that were extremely active prior to pregnancy. Consult your doctor for personalized recommendations. Below are some of the exercise that help most women during delivery.
Kegel Exercises
According to the American Pregnancy Association, Kegel exercises help pregnant women prepare for delivery. Kegel exercises consist of contracting and relaxing pelvic floor muscles. These exercises strengthen the muscles needed for delivery and minimize the bladder leaks and hemorrhoids after delivery.
Swimming
Swimming is among the safest and most well-balanced exercises for pregnant women because it allows for cardiovascular exercises while keeping the heart rate low and putting no stress on the joints. Water is also helpful with aches and pains and can ease the pain during delivery.
Other Types of Exercise
AmericanPregnancy.org also recommends other forms of exercise such as walking, aerobics and dance. These exercises are known to raise moods and keep your muscles toned. Toned muscles can help you during delivery when you may have to contract your muscles for long periods of time with no food. Endurance is an asset during delivery and these exercises can help you maintain your endurance during the months of pregnancy.
Cautions
WomensHealth.gov advises women to avoid exercises where there is a high chance of being hit in the stomach or falling, such as basketball, soccer, martial arts, skiing and skating. Exercising at high altitudes is not advised. Gradual warm-ups, long cool-downs, taking frequent breaks and staying hydrated is also important.
