Get Fit Before You Get Pregnant

Getting fit before you get pregnant can boost your overall health and wellness but also promote your fertility. It is important that you begin a regular exercise plan even if you haven't been active in the past. Any time is a good time to start a fitness program. If you do plan on conceiving, be sure to consult with your doctor prior to starting an exercise program. Your health care provider can offer sound advice about exercise options and nutritional recommendations during conception.

How Is Exercise Important for Pregnancy?

Exercise is important for you and your baby. Exercise will allow you to maintain a healthy weight or promote weight loss if you are overweight. This can increase the chances you will conceive. It is important however that you eat healthily and avoid over dieting when trying to conceive, as this can have negative effects on your fertility.

Many women also find that exercise helps them relax and sleep more soundly, also vital for promoting fertility and well being. Exercise also helps prepare your body for pregnancy, labor and birth. It takes a lot of work to grow a baby. If you haven't exercised before you should consider starting an exercise program to help your body prepare for pregnancy and delivery. Many studies suggest that routine exercise promotes a safer and easier labor for women at the end of their pregnancy.

What Types of Exercise Should I Consider?

If you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant, walking is an ideal exercise to start with. You can try walking 20 minutes each day, working your way up to ½ hour or more. Walk briskly to get your heart bumping and the blood circulating through your body.

Once you have mastered daily walking you can try other activities including swimming or yoga. Each of these exercises are optimal for improving lung and heart function. Swimming also works each of the muscles in your body and is an ideal form of exercise during pregnancy, helping ease the pain and stiffness or machines that may result in your back and legs from carrying around a baby.

Some women find stationary cycling is an ideal form of exercise both before and during pregnancy. You should never ride a mobile bicycle after pregnancy as you risk falling and injuring your abdomen.

Some women enjoy taking a prenatal aerobics or other fitness class. You can take this even if you are planning to be pregnant. Taking a class early will help you get accustomed to the routine and help you feel more comfortable exercising when you do become pregnant. You may also find you learn valuable pointers from other women when taking a prenatal fitness class. There are also many prenatal exercise videos available on the web. If you aren't comfortable trying a class, consider a video first in your home. This will get you accustomed to a routine of daily exercise.

Nutrition and Exercise

Nutrition is also an important component of getting fit before pregnancy. You have to eat well in addition to exercising to boost your fertility and improve the odds you will have a healthy baby.

You might consider chatting with your health care provider about your weight, diet and fertility. Your doctor may advise you to lose weight, maintain your weight or even gain weight depending on your current health status. Your health care provider will also likely recommend you start taking a prenatal vitamin to ensure your body has the vitamins and minerals it needs to grow a healthy baby and prevent birth defects.

If you have problems maintaining or following a healthy diet, your health care provider may recommend you seek the advice of a dietician, who can help you develop a healthy nutritional program for your pregnancy and beyond. Remember a healthy lifestyle before pregnancy will help ensure you are able to carry your pregnancy safely to term and enjoy the period after.