Can I Exercise while Pregnant?
Can I Exercise while Pregnant?
Manage Myths & Judgments and Discover the Benefits of Exercise during Pregnancy
In this newsletter, we provide you with notes on Pregnancy Myths and Judgment with Felicity Rosina, an episode of Midwife Pip Podcast.
Host Pippa Davies is a practicing midwife in the UK who has a wealth of experience supporting parents-to-be through all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
She is joined by Felicity Rosina, a pre and post natal personal trainer. She’s all about empowering women and educating them on how they can still train and feel fit and strong during their pregnancies.
Read our notes below.
Topics Covered in this Summary
Discussing Pregnancy Myths and Judgments
Pregnancy Exercise Benefits
Discussing Pregnancy Myths and Judgments
If you are pregnant, you might be getting a lot of advice from well-meaning people, and sometimes you might be wondering whether what they say is true.
Some pregnancy myths you might have heard are not exercising while pregnant (we will discuss this in more detail below), having a round baby bump indicates you are having a boy, and wearing earphones will make your baby deaf. Some of those myths are fun, while others lead to confusion and misunderstanding. But keep in mind that it's all a myth, and you don't have to believe it.
Here are the Top 3 Tips for Managing Myths and Judgments about Pregnancy:
People will always judge you, sometimes their judgment comes from a good place, so try not to interpret everything they say negatively.
Exercising for yourself and your child makes you a better parent. Maintain your exercise routine because it is good for you, your baby's health, and your mental health.
Only you will know what's best for you and your situation.
Pregnancy can be overwhelming, and if you’re struggling to feel your happiest, you’re certainly not alone. Being pregnant is a special time, so don’t spend it worrying too much about all the myths or judgment coming your way.
Pregnancy Exercise Benefits
The benefits of exercise during pregnancy have a positive effect on both the expectant mom’s health and her baby’s health. It improves your well-being, and it can support the development of your baby’s heart and brain too.
You don't have to engage in intense workouts to reap the benefits. A simple swim, walk or gentle jog may do.
The potential benefits of pregnancy exercise for moms:
Experience less low back pain, pregnancy constipation, and tiredness
30% less likely to develop gestational diabetes
Are less likely to need an unplanned cesarean
Experience fewer incidences and reduced severity of depression
Gain less weight during pregnancy
Are less likely to develop urinary incontinence
May have a shorter labor
The potential benefits of pregnancy exercise for the baby in the womb:
Develop a healthier heart with a lower resting heart rate after birth
Be born at what is considered a ‘normal’ birth weight, rather than overweight
Be born with more mature brains and are quicker to develop neurologically
Experience a reduced risk of respiratory distress at birth (if born to high-risk mothers)
As parents and soon-to-be parents, we all want the best for our children. Exercising while pregnant is not only safe, but often recommended, and has long-lasting benefits for both you and your child.
Speak to your healthcare provider for more information.
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Listen to the original episode