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Benefits of Exercise

Mom

Exercise, because of its numerous emotional and physical benefits, has long been considered an extremely effective stress management tool. The profound event of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum can be considered a positive stress. Coping positively with the stress of pregnancy through exercise can offer the expectant mother the following potential benefits:

Emotional

Enhanced well being and self esteem.
Increased confidence and feeling of control.
Decreased tension and anxiety (stress reduction).
Group support and empowerment.
Increased sense of pride about the pregnancy.

Physical

Increased body awareness – feeling more connected and accepting of your changing body.
Increased energy, endurance, strength, and flexibility.
Improved circulation, posture, balance, and body mechanics.
Prevention or reduction in common complaints of pregnancy.
Maintain and/or improve cardiovascular endurance.
Maintain and/or improve muscular strength and endurance.
Maintained cardiovascular fitness for women already fit prior to pregnancy.
Increased pelvic floor strength.
Improvement or elimination of stress urinary incontinence.
Reduction in weight gain and fat accumulation.
More rapid postpartum recovery.

Spiritual

Increased bonding between mother and baby and other pregnant women.

Baby

Exercise is a wonderful time to get some “me” time. It is a great stress reliever and time to reflect on the day or daze into the future.

According to James F. Clapp, MD, in his book Exercising Through Your Pregnancy, babies born to fit women in his study experienced the following:

The baby is considered “tougher” in fit women and more resilient to the stress of labor.
The placenta is healthier.
The fetus tolerates contraction better.
A decrease in incidence of cord entanglement.
A lower incidence of meconium at birth.
Leaner, lower birth weight infants due to less fat and not due to growth retardation.
Mothers report their babies are easy to care for. Preliminary findings show babies who have “exercised” during pregnancy respond well to their environment. They are more able to soothe themselves and need less consoling.
The stimulation of sound and vibrations occurring during exercise may increase the fetal brain development.
At one year of age their mental, and physical performance was better as compared to “non-exercising” babies.
At five years of age they scored much higher on test of general intelligence and oral language skills.

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All of the information on this site assumes that the mother-to-be is in good physical and mental health, and that her pregnancy is without risk factors or complications. Web site content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer medical advice, or replace the recommendations of your doctor, midwife, or physical therapist. Always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Physical

Increased body awareness – feeling more connected and accepting of your changing body.

Increased energy, endurance, strength, and flexibility.

Improved circulation, posture, balance, and body mechanics.

Prevention or reduction in common complaints of pregnancy.

Maintain and/or improve cardiovascular endurance.

Maintain and/or improve muscular strength and endurance.

Maintained cardiovascular fitness for women already fit prior to pregnancy.

Increased pelvic floor strength.

Improvement or elimination of stress urinary incontinence.

Reduction in weight gain and fat accumulation.

More rapid postpartum recovery.

Spiritual

Increased bonding between mother and baby and other pregnant women.