Let’s face it, ladies, not all of us have taken the best care of ourselves.  Quite often, we've overeaten, been inactive, and didn't really think of the consequences.  Then we start thinking about having children and we vow to do better, especially when we find out we’re expecting. 

Ok, so excercise is good for me

No one can dispute the benefits of exercise on the body.  These benefits are equally, if not more, important for an expectant mom.  So, unless you have limitations that will keep you from exercising, take your doctor’s advice and get active.

And there are benefits from finding safe pregnancy excercises:

1. Helps you feel better by giving you a boost of energy, helps you relax, relieves backaches, reduces constipation, helps maintain your joints, and helps you sleep better at night. (And you’d better sleep well now; sleep is often a distant memory once the baby arrives!)
2. Helps you look better by increasing the blood flow to your skin.  This helps you have a healthy glow and can be helpful for maintaining beautiful hair.
3. Prepares you for birth by developing strong muscles and a fit heart.  These can be very helpful during delivery.  By learning to breathe properly during exercise, it can translate to less pain during labor.
4. Helps you return to pre-pregnancy weight by keeping you from gaining as much weight during your pregnancy.  Your priority in exercising while pregnant isn’t to lose weight, it’s to develop and maintain a good fitness level so you’ll be healthy during your entire pregnancy.

Safe pregnancy excercises - five of them:

Walking - This is the easiest, cheapest, and best all-around exercise while pregnant.  You’re not jarring your joints, you can adjust your pace to meet the terrain, and you can do it without buying any special equipment.  Walk at a quick pace for at least a mile, three days a week.  Don’t forget to start out slowly for five minutes and then slow down and cool down for five minutes at the end of your walk.

Swimming - The buoyancy of the water may be just the thing you need in your late pregnancy.  This time will give you a chance to feel weightless as well as helping to build your muscles and develop good breathing techniques.  Water aerobics may be another option for you, since it doesn’t stress the joints.

Running - Ok - this one is probably only a good idea if you were somewhat in shape before you became pregnant. If you previously ran at some point before pregnancy, you may still be able to run while pregnant.  Check with your doctor to make sure it’s okay with them.  Don’t overexert yourself while running; pace yourself to avoid injury, especially as your center of gravity changes over the length of your pregnancy.

Low-impact aerobics - Maybe you can find a pregnancy-friendly aerobics class.  You want to avoid jarring motions, for the baby’s sake, as well as your joints.  However, low-impact aerobics may be what the doctor ordered.  Go slow, listen to your body, and enjoy the camaraderie.

Yoga or Pilates - These exercises can be tailored for pregnant ladies.  You can stretch and maintain flexibility, which will be important for birth.  They also help you relax while they strengthen your body.

Safe excercise is important for a good pregnancy

These five exercises for moms who didn’t exercise before pregnancy improve your pregnancy, and they will surely help during labor and delivery.  Don’t forget to listen to your body and follow your doctor’s orders.  You may find you’ve enjoyed yourself so much during pregnancy that you continue to exercise long after the baby is born.