Top Tips for Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy through Exercise and Fitness
Pregnancy is like a long-distance race. You wouldn’t start a marathon or 50K without preparing, so why begin one of the most physically challenging aspects of womanhood without preparation? From sleeping better at night to having more energy, exercise and fitness can have a significant impact on your pregnancy.
At Kelly Morales OB/GYN, our compassionate care team is dedicated to helping women in San Antonio, Texas, prepare for happy and healthy pregnancies. Dr. Kelly Morales practices holistic, progressive obstetrics including preconception counseling and pregnancy services designed to help you optimize your health and the health of your growing baby.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered our top tips for preparing for a healthy pregnancy through exercise and fitness.
1. Visit your OB/GYN
Even if you’re in good health, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor early. If possible, start before you’re pregnant, as Dr. Morales can help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Your doctor evaluates your health and can make recommendations on steps to take to optimize your pregnancy. She can also provide insight customized for you on nutrition, exercise, existing medical concerns, and how to reduce your risk factors.
2. Get and stay active
The best time to start a regular exercise program is before you get pregnant. Your body experiences many changes during pregnancy and labor. Exercise is a great way to improve your stamina and strength to help your body handle the rigors of these times.
Once you become pregnant, exercise can help you manage many of the symptoms you may experience. Even if you weren’t exercising when you found out you were pregnant, adding 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week can boost your health and the health of your baby.
Some of the benefits of prenatal exercise include:
Fewer backaches
Relief from constipation and bloating
Less swelling
Reduced risk of gestational diabetes
Increased energy
Better mood
Better strength and endurance
Improved sleep
Better coping with labor
Improved fitness after childbirth
It’s important to talk to Dr. Morales about what type of exercise and how much is right for you based on your current health and activity level.
3. Pull out your yoga mat
Yoga is renowned for helping people get and stay fit and helping to manage stress, making it the perfect exercise for moms-to-be. What’s more? Yoga can help you prepare for labor while boosting your baby's health.
You can even continue with yoga throughout your pregnancy with prenatal yoga. Studies indicate prenatal yoga is safe for most expectant moms, and it brings with it many benefits, such as:
Better sleep
Lower blood pressure
Decreased chance of carpal tunnel syndrome
Reduced risk of preterm labor
Reduced stress or anxiety
Increased strength, flexibility, and endurance, which helps prepare for childbirth
Decreased back pain, nausea, and headaches
In addition, studies show there’s a relationship between prenatal yoga and improved fetal outcome. Taking a prenatal yoga class also gives you the chance to meet and bond with other expectant mothers.
How can I learn more about preparing for a healthy pregnancy?
There’s a lot of information available about the dos and don’ts for preparing for a healthy pregnancy, and it can be hard to tell fact from fiction. Talking to an experienced obstetrician like Dr. Morales can help.
Dr. Morales is committed to providing women’s health and family planning services in a safe and unbiased environment. From preconception counseling through postdelivery care, our practice is here for the health and well-being of you and your baby.
If you’re ready to learn more about preparing for a healthy pregnancy, the team at Kelly Morales OB/GYN is available for you. Simply contact our San Antonio office and schedule an appointment today.