Exercise During Pregnancy: Worth It?

Question

For those who had a natural birth and were in good shape, would you say that it made your labor and delivery easier? I'm asking because I've noticed a trend among women who exercised and keep in shape during pregnancy and easy/ short births. I'd like to deliver naturally and will definitely exercise as much as possible if it will make it easier to have my baby.

Answer

With my first I was really young. I had a good metabolism so I ate what I wanted and never exercised and still stayed small. My labor was 14 hours and 2 1/2 of that was pushing. With my second I was exercising 5 days a week and eating a lot healthier. My labor was only 5 hours and I pushed for maybe 5 minutes. I’d definitely say it helps! I have a prenatal yoga video that I’ve been doing with this pregnancy and I really like it!

Answer

It's been proven that staying in shape helps make labor easier for most healthy moms... obviously there are complications that can't be helped and high risk pregnancies where the mother can't stay active... but absolutely yes, for most women being active during pregnancy is helpful.

Answer

I work out five times a week with this one. My hope is a smooth, quick and efficient delivery as well as a fairly quick rebound after birth. I’ll have to let you know. 
But most women I’ve spoken to says staying active helps IMMENSELY.

Answer

Giving birth is a lot of work. It definitely helps to be in shape. Having said that, I don't normally exercise much at all, but did go to prenatal yoga while pregnant. My labor was fast. Doubt it was because of yoga, but definitely think it was helpful.

Answer

Even an "easy" birth is very traumatic on your body and labour is like a marathon. The fitter you are the better your stamina and the better your body will cope. I was reasonably fit and had a 6 hour med free labour and was discharged 4 hours afterwards

Answer

I was in good shape & the pushing part of my labor was short. I don't have a not-in-shape delivery for comparison purposes though (which is why I think the large-scale research indicating that being in shape makes labor faster/easier to be more compelling than anecdotes from individuals).

Exercise During Pregnancy: Worth It?

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