Prenatal and Postpartum Exercise

BENEFITS OF PRENATAL EXERCISE

• Improved aerobic and muscular fitness

• Facilitation of recovery from labour

• Enhanced maternal psychological well-being that may help counter feelings of stress, anxiety, and/or depression frequently experienced during pregnancy

• More rapid return to pre-pregnancy weight, strength, and flexibility levels

• Fewer obstetric interventions

• Shorter active labour and less pain

• Less weight gain

• Improved digestion and reduced constipation

• Reduced “postpartum belly”

• Reduced back pain during pregnancy

• Reduce the risk of gestational diabetes

BENEFITS OF POSTPARTUM EXERCISE

• Reduces fatigue and increases vigor

• Improves mood states and mental acuity

• Improves fitness

• Promotes return to prepregnancy weight

• Decreases the risk for developing future chronic health conditions

• Provides important mom time and social interactions