Movement is a key component of maintaining optimal health and wellness in any life stage, and pregnancy is no exception! There are numerous benefits of exercising during pregnancy, both for mom and baby.
For most women, exercise is not only safe but encouraged during pregnancy. According to The American College of Gynecology (ACOG), healthy pregnant women should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. “Moderate intensity” may look like going for a brisk walk or doing some lightweight training. Research shows that exercise during pregnancy decreases musculoskeletal complaints like low back pain. It also improves self-image and reduces overall stress, which is important for maintaining good mental health.
Exercise has been shown to decrease the risk for preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes, episiotomies, and induction! Women who are regular exercisers tend to experience fewer pregnancy-related complications. Research even shows that exercise helps reduce the time of the second stage of labor by 30%! Exercise also helps promote a healthy amount of pregnancy weight gain to avoid complications related to excessive fat accumulation.
Regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy also has health benefits for the fetus. Children of women who exercise during their pregnancy have lower birth weights, increased gestational ages, as well as potentially improved neurodevelopment.
If you are pregnant and unsure where to get started, go see your local pelvic health physical therapist!
Pregnant women- let’s get moving! Physical therapy is often covered by your insurance company, and many times you don’t need a prescription. Feel free to contact your local PT clinic to ask about treatment that would be right for you!
Don’t wait until you are in pain to get started – come see a Physical Therapist get you started on appropriate and safe exercise as soon as possible!
Click the Book An Appointment button above to find the clinic closest to you that offers Pelvic Health.
