My Crohnstipated Life

Congratulations are definitely in order if you have a little one on the way!  But keep in mind that healthy pregnancies and deliveries require much more that just good wishes.

• Strength building – You will need strong leg muscles when going through labor and these can only be achieved by following an appropriate strength building regime. Ladies, who walked, swam or even did some light weight training through their pregnancies have reported much easier and shorter labor. Yoga helps tremendously in building strength without causing any danger to the fetus.
• Combat nausea – Over 60% women suffer from morning sickness and the first trimester sees most of this action. Following a work out plan keeps the metabolic rate going and therefore helps in digesting food intake and keeping acidity levels low. It is due to this reason that women who workout during their pregnancies rarely complain of overt morning sickness.
• Prevent stretch marks – Stretch marks usually occur due to excessive weight gain or weight loss. A regular and appropriate exercise program allows pregnant women to keep their weight gain within healthy levels thus preventing stretch marks immensely. Exercising also supplies the skin with regular oxygen, which contributes towards its elasticity and therefore prevents stretch marks.
• Feel better – Conceiving and having babies is an emotional time for most women. Their hormones run a mock and the entire period seems like a physical and emotional rollercoaster ride. Following proper exercise programs helps keep these fluctuations in control and allows women to feel upbeat during their pregnancy months too.
• Lower ailment risks- Studies show that women who exercise and continue to do so even when pregnant have lesser chance of developing gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and other similar problems related with conceiving. In fact it is believed that exercising also helps achieve normal deliveries as opposed to C – sections.
• Regain pre pregnancy weight faster – Following an exercise regime when pregnant will help you get back into shape much faster once the baby has been delivered. The body keeps up its metabolic rate and allows the excess weight gained during the pregnancy to be lost at a heighted rate than otherwise.

Keep in mind that an exercise routine for a pregnant woman does not focus on either weight loss or weight control. Yoga, swimming, walking, cycling and other such activities are highly recommended while carrying. Light resistance training is also known to benefit tremendously. However, you must consult your doctor before adopting an exercise plan and ensure that a trained professional is advising you on the topic.