Day By Day Pregnancy Tip #1: Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

by ACMJ on October 10, 2008

in day by day pregnancy

Yoga Moms
Image by lululemon athletica via Flickr

I’m starting a new series here at EHP focused on pregnancy. I love blogs that run series, because it helps me filter out information more effectively. If you are not yet a parent, for instance, you probably are not that interested in my posts on toddler crafts. If you are not having any more children, you likely are done with tips on pregnancy management. By using series for blog titles, I try to help you zero in on what you need more quickly.

Day By Day Pregnancy Tip #1: A Little Exercise Is Much Better Than No Exercise

Exercising, even just a little, during pregnancy is like investing in your 401(k) in your early twenties. Even if you are only putting in small amounts, you will see big returns much later on.

I would read statements like the above when I was pregnant and think: really? really? How, exactly, does it help later on? When? Where?

Here is what I know:

Yoga and stretching help when you are breastfeeding and your body has to cope with the new strain it puts on your upper back and arms. Fluency with poses and stretching techniques means your body is limber when you deliver and familiar with ways to relieve pain and tension when you are far too tired to learn something new.


Walking during pregnancy keeps your health up, but also prepares you for the more active lifestyle you will likely lead with a newborn and toddler. Pushing a stroller is a lot of work, and running after a toddler is even more work.

Lifting light weights during your pregnancy helps maintain arm and back strength, something you can never have enough of when hauling around babies and their gear.

But more than all of this, giving birth requires healing. Exercise helps you feel good. If you have the habits and equipment to exercise regularly already established in your life, you are giving your body and your mental health a head start in the healing and recovery process. So what are you waiting for? It is never too late to start!

The Predicable P.S.: As always, when it concerns your health and pregnancy, ask your doctor about any change to your routine.


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Day By Day Pregnancy Tip #4: Tame the Tacky Comments | Extra (Hour)dinary Parenting
November 12, 2008 at 11:43 pm

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Shaneen Clarke December 23, 2008 at 1:01 am

Very nice tips. This is a must read for all pregnant women out there. Start it sooner to reap its results when you give birth.

2 ACMJEHP December 23, 2008 at 12:44 pm

Thanks for the comment and second! Exercise is so key. Happy Holidays!
Amanda

3 Signs of Pregnancy December 29, 2008 at 12:53 am

Nice but my wife now is 5 months pregnant and she cannot even bend her body, the exercise that i am encouraging her is a walking exercise. The doctor said this simple exercise will help a lot specially in the time of delivery of the baby.

4 ACMJEHP December 30, 2008 at 10:53 am

Walking is great exercise – the best for pregnant women. I also love
those big yoga balls. They feel great on pregnant hips and let you
stretch in a way that doesn't endanger the baby but still feels really
good for the mom. I'll be thinking about your wife! What an exciting
time for you both. Best of luck and thanks for commenting.

5 pregnancy January 10, 2009 at 5:55 pm

I wish to wish all pregnant women of good mood, easy pregnancy and natural sorts!
Good luck also are happy! Give birth easily and independently! Let not doctors give birth for you, and you!
Also adjust itself on chest feeding of the kid! Read the necessary information!
Be, lovely pregnant mums and expecting posterities of the daddy, are healthy and wise!

6 Pregnancy Emails January 23, 2009 at 11:20 am

I do agree, exercise really helped my during and after my second pregnancy. Believe me, it's worth the effort

7 Ameda February 2, 2009 at 7:00 am

these tips are very good! I loved them, thanks for posting.

8 ACMJEHP February 2, 2009 at 6:04 pm

I'm glad you enjoyed them!

9 Medela in style February 12, 2009 at 1:49 am

I think you are really doing a great job by giving these tips to all those expecting or pregnant ladies out there! I am sure many would definitely follow these excellent tips.

10 ACMJEHP February 12, 2009 at 1:14 pm

thank you!!! I really appreciate your feedback.

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