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As far as activities during your pregnancy, are concerned performing low-intensity exercises is a must! You must now be wondering whether you can go out for light jogging or running as you did previously before your pregnancy journey.
Doctors say that those of you who jogged before your pregnancy can continue during your pregnancy. Although pregnancy health conditions like – preeclampsia, anaemia, prenatal vaginal bleeding, etc., cannot be denied, however, with your healthcare practitioner’s advice you can start light exercise again and reap the benefits of it. The benefits include:
Pregnancy Weight Will Be Under Control
The food you eat during pregnancy can cause weight gain. Running slowly for at least 20 to 30 minutes, 5 days a week, can keep your weight under control.
Gestational Diabetes May Be Reduced
Gestational diabetes develops in the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy. If your weight during pregnancy is more than 30, or you’re more than 35 or 40 years old, your chances of developing gestational diabetes are high. Brisk walking or light jogging can keep gestational diabetes under control.
Preeclampsia May Be Prevented
When you visit a healthcare practitioner in the 20th week of your pregnancy, the doctor may administer a few blood and urine tests to check for preeclampsia. Additionally, there will be signs of swelling in the hands, face and areas around the eyes, and you’ll suddenly gain weight. Just a little exercise can reduce preeclampsia risks. Jogging gently reduces preeclampsia risk.
Reduces the Chances of Preterm Delivery
Preterm delivery or premature birth is when a baby is born on or before the 37th week of your pregnancy. However, including regular physical activity, and slow running during pregnancy, reduces preterm birth risk.
Reduces the Chances of Low Birth Weight
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) research, if you give birth to a baby who’s less than 2 kgs at the time of birth, irrespective of the gestational age, that baby is considered low birth weight. Placental problems, uterine complications, foetal growth restriction, etc are some of the reasons behind a low-birth-weight baby. Keeping your diet in check is important! At the same time, you need to focus on your weight in all three trimesters of your pregnancy by brisk walking and light jogging.
Reduces the Chances of a Cesarean Section
A C-section, also known as a cesarean section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby by making an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Obstetricians, and family physicians perform C–section deliveries due to placenta or umbilical cord issues. However, brisk walking and light jogging can reduce C-section delivery risks and increase vaginal delivery chances.
As your baby grows inside you, with every stage of your pregnancy, muscle and joint pain increases due to hormonal fluctuations. Performing low–intensity aerobics, brisk walking, and light jogging can reduce pain.
So, just wear comfy shoes and supportive undergarments and keep yourself hydrated. But, if you see signs of bleeding, urinary incontinence, joint pain or balance problems, stop running immediately.