The period of gestation or pregnancy accompanies countless advice. There is so much excitement and a little bit of stress as to what to do to benefit the baby and what not to. There are so many misconceptions which are also associated with the Exercise during pregnancy. Some of these include not eating spices as they might have an adverse effect on the baby and so many more. However, the impact of the activities of the mothers on the babies should actually be taken seriously.
A mistake that one might not consider as serious or life-threatening might actually become a danger to the life of the baby or to the mother or even both during these 09 months.
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How Does Exercise during pregnancy benefits the baby?
When it comes to exercising during pregnancy, many stereotypes go against the concept. Many people believe that one should get maximum sleep during these months as exercises can be dangerous.
Exercise actually, is not dangerous at all. The problem lies in certain exercises which might include the risks of falling. But we cannot blame overall exercises to be dangerous for the expecting mother or the fetus.
We have all read and been aware of how exercise reduces the number of joint pains in the body of the pregnant mother. We have also been told numerous times that exercise not only reduces the labour time and pain, but it also reduces the chance of excessive weight gain during gestation.
With all this, do you know the benefits of exercise during pregnancy for the baby? Do you know that exercise does not only have its magical effects on the bodies of mothers but it also has many health benefits to the baby? If not, then read below.
No fetal distress
If you did not know already, fetal distress is a condition that arises when the fetus is unable to get the proper intake of oxygen as it should’ve had. It might be as a result of many pregnancy complexities and complications along with extended duration of pregnancy or what we call post maturity.
The doctors basically check for the baby’s heart rate and can detect this condition.
Researches and studies carried out have proven that the chances of women developing this condition is very less if they exercise. This is because moderate and safe exercise enhances the oxygen uptake to meet the proper intake.
Lesser risks of fetal macrosomia
Fetal macrosomia is a condition in which the baby born is larger than the normal-sized babies.
This condition can be avoided through regular exercise by the mother. The causes of how exercise helps in such a situation are increased glucose tolerance. This was concluded by a study carried out which included around 166 women in their gestation period. So basically exercise reduces the amount of fat and glucose that the mothers provide to the fetuses thus providing an optimal environment for the growth of the baby.
Improves heart health
The exercises are specifically done during the third trimester (You can keep a check on your trimesters, their date of beginning and ending through pregnancy due date calculator at calculators.tech. You can also know about your conception and due date to pre-prepare for the little one) are said to improve the health of the baby’s heart. A lowered heart rate is observed (indicating a healthy heart) for the babies. The conclusion clearly states that regular exercise does offer cardiovascular protection to the babies thus adding to its importance.
Lowers risks of preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs in the mothers but has severe and deep effects on the baby. In this condition, there are blood pressure fluctuations in the mother. It is basically a condition in which an expecting mother develops the problem of hypertension which she might not have before. This condition impacts the baby in numerous ways. The most prominent one is reduced blood flow to the placenta where the baby is basically present. This condition also limits the amount of food which might reach the babies thus, worsening the condition even more.
Through different exercises, the risks of a mother developing preeclampsia are highly reduced. Hence, the baby stays in its best health.
Lower risks of gestational diabetes
Just like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes is a condition also undergone by pregnant mothers after they start expecting. Many women do not have diabetes but develop it during these 09 months which become a threat not only for them but for the fetus as well.
Gestational diabetes increases the risks of babies born with excessive weight. The unneeded and excessive glucose tends to cross the placenta and make its way to the baby, triggering the baby’s body to produce insulin.
Through regular and the right exercise, the risks of gestational diabetes being developed by a mother are reduced to a great extent.
Lower chances of cesarean section
If you did not know before, then cesarean section refers to the surgery carried out for the delivery of the baby. Although some of these are unplanned, one cannot simply neglect the fact that cesarean sections can affect the baby in different ways.
Babies born in this way are at a greater risk of developing different health risks. Babies born such a way have a greater chance of having breathing difficulties and so much more.
Researches have now come up with the results that mothers who are likely to exercise during their pregnancy have lower chances of going for the cesarean sections and more chances of the vaginal delivery.
