Exercise offers many benefits to both mother and baby. Prenatal exercise helps improve circulation, keeps weight gain under control, reduces the risk of some pregnancy complications, prepares the body for labor and may help with weight loss after the baby is born. For many women, a lack of motivation or not knowing what exercises are safe and effective during pregnancy keeps them from working out. A prenatal fitness class can be the perfect remedy for both these problems. A regular class will keep you motivated and on track. A class designed specifically for pregnant women takes the uncertainty out of … Continue reading →

Prenatal yoga was my exercise of choice in my last two pregnancies. I found that when I took the time out of my day to practice yoga, I felt better. I experienced fewer aches and pains, had more energy and felt more relaxed and peaceful. There is evidence to suggest I am not alone. Yoga offers several benefits to pregnant women. The stretching and breathing is helpful for many discomforts of pregnancy and helps control weight gain. Practicing yoga in pregnancy also helps tone and strengthen the muscles for birth and increases flexibility. If possible, or if you have never … Continue reading →

Pilates is a good choice for prenatal exercise. Pilates strengthens the muscles of the abdomen, pelvis and back. This can help prepare your body for labor. In addition, you may find you feel better and experience fewer discomforts after starting a Pilates class. Pilates offers several benefits and is generally safe for a healthy pregnant woman. However, each pregnancy is different and presents its own unique challenges. For this reason, you should speak to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program, and this includes Pilates. In some cases, doctors may recommend waiting until after the first trimester, if you … Continue reading →

Regular exercise during pregnancy has many benefits. Women who exercise throughout their pregnancies tend to have fewer complications, find relief from many of the discomforts of pregnancy, gain less weight during pregnancy and lose the weight easier after the baby is born. Before starting any exercise program, check with your health care provider. When choosing a method of exercise, low impact is best. For example, a brisk walk outside or on a treadmill is better than running. Swimming is a low impact form of exercise that works the muscles. Water aerobics takes the benefits of swimming one step further. If … Continue reading →

There are many benefits to prenatal yoga. Regular practice of yoga tones the muscles and prepares the body for labor and delivery. In addition, many women find they get an emotional boost from yoga, which is very beneficial. Although yoga is safe and effective for pregnancy, there are some poses which should be avoided. Positions requiring you to lie on your stomach are not safe for pregnancy. These include poses such as cobra, are not safe particularly as the belly grows. As the baby grows, you will need to avoid poses which require you to lie on your back for … Continue reading →

Most experts say exercise is good for mom and baby, as long as the pregnancy is healthy and there are no complications. In fact, many doctors discuss the benefits with patients or offer handouts regarding exercise. Despite the recommendation of doctors, midwives and various medical associations, certain myths are persistent. Here are a few of the more common myths. If you have ever had a problem in a pregnancy, you can never exercise during any pregnancy: While this can be the case, it is often not. A past complication or miscarriage likely has nothing to do with exercise, whether it … Continue reading →