Fitness coach Massy Arias worked out heavily throughout her pregnancy and she’s not alone. There are many women that continue to do yoga, weight lift, run, box, and do their workouts as normal. It’s always smart to check with your doctor, but most doctors encourage healthy exercise during pregnancy because it makes things easier when you’re pregnant and when you into labor.
When a woman gets pregnant there are so many changes going through her body. Her body is changing, hormones are out of whack, and this new life she’s carrying inside is absorbing her nutrients. These are the benefits of being strong and fit when pregnant:
Small baby bump: your abdomen stretches to make room for your growing baby, but when you’re abs are toned there’s no fat to push your baby up, so it actually cradles your growing child inside you.
Gain less weight: The average woman gains about 20-25 pounds when they’re pregnant. On average fit women put about 7 pounds less than those that don’t workout.
Better mood: During pregnancy the body releases more sex hormones than normal, so there are a lot of hormonal changes. Staying active can help prevent some hormonal problems, so women are in a better mood.
Lowers chance of gestational diabetes: During pregnancy many women have gestational diabetes, especially Latinas. High blood sugar during pregnancy puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and you can lower that risk by as much as 27% when you workout.
No back pain or leg swelling: One of the biggest complaints of pregnant women is back pain. Practicing yoga, stretching and other exercises that keep your muscles strong will help alleviate back pain if any. Exercise can also limit swelling in your legs and hands because of the improved blood flow you get from exercising.
Shorter labor: When you deliver a baby the natural way, you use your ab muscles and yes even muscles down there to push the baby out. Studies show that fit mamas experience a shorter labor because of this.
Back in shape in weeks: Most women can take months to get back in shape, but fit moms are back in shape within weeks because their muscles bounce back faster and there’s no fat to shed, just baby weight!