Every expecting mother wants to have more energy, gain weight normally, better cope with the aches and pains of pregnancy, sleep better, get in shape for labor, and lose baby weight faster postpartum. Regular pregnancy fitness is the "magic pill" that does all that and more.
An active lifestyle can help every woman. You don’t have to be as fit as a professional athlete to benefit from physical activity. In fact, 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week can greatly improve your health. Most people can get greater health benefits by engaging in physical activity of more vigorous intensity or longer duration. To help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy body weight gain, get about 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week, while not exceeding caloric intake requirements. To keep weight loss off, get at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements. Some people may need to consult with their doctor before participating in this level of activity. Achieve physical fitness by including cardiovascular conditioning, stretching exercises for flexibility, and resistance exercises or calisthenics for muscle strength and endurance. Physical activity has these benefits:
- reduces your risk of dying from heart disease or stroke
- lowers your risk of getting heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes
- lowers high blood pressure
- helps keep your bones, muscles, and joints healthy
- reduces anxiety and depression and improves your mood
- helps you handle stress and helps control your weight
- protects against falling and bone fractures in older adults
- may help protect against breast cancer
- helps control joint swelling and pain from arthritis
- helps you feel more energetic and helps you sleep better
Increase your physical activity by taking
small steps to change what you do everyday!
| If you normally... |
Then try this instead! |
| park as close as possible to the store |
park farther away |
| let the dog out back |
take the dog for a walk |
| take the elevator |
take the stairs |
| have lunch delivered |
walk to pick up lunch |
| relax while the kids play |
get involved in their activity |
We partner with area gyms and fitness coaches to provide the best fitness resources for expecting mothers.
Please contact our office for the partnering fitness
courses available in your area.
Education is the first key to a healthy pregnancy and positive birth experience. We recommend the following essential reading for every expecting family:
Essential Reading From Our Library
Segments were copied with permission from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
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