Plus, you could have less of a chance of needing medical intervention during labor and a shorter hospital stay. Giving birth is no small task, but if you go into it with stronger muscles, better control of your breathing, and increased endurance, it’ll ease what’s sure to be one of your toughest workouts yet. Be better prepped for labor and delivery.
Out-of-control blood sugar levels can up your chances of having a larger-than-normal baby, which can make for a difficult birth. Not only can gaining less weight make it easier to get back to your prebaby body after you give birth but it might also lower your risk of developing high blood sugar levels during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Women who exercised two to three hours a week throughout their pregnancy were 40 percent less likely to gain excess weight than moms who didn’t, according to one study. But research has shown that not only is staying active while pregnant safe, it can have some powerful benefits for both mom and baby. It can be tough to stick with a regular exercise program even when you aren’t carrying a tiny person inside of you.
Need motivation to move more during your pregnancy? Discover how regular exercising while pregnant pays off for you and your little one.