Extensive research has been done on obesity and diabetes risks that originate in the prenatal developmental period and how unhealthy eating during pregnancy leads to the transmitting of diseases to children. Many studies have shown a relationship between increased maternal weight and poor eating habits to poorer metabolic rates in their children. This has led to scientists linking the influence of exercise during pregnancy for better infant health.
Research has found that physical exercise during pregnancy enhances a placenta driven protein called superoxide dismutase 3. This protein improves glucose tolerance in infants. The same study highlighted the necessity of Vitamin D to increase SOD3 levels in the placenta, which indicates that a healthy diet and exercise exacerbates a healthy metabolism and better glucose tolerance and digestion in children.
During the second trimester of pregnancy, the SOD3 levels appeared to be highest, making this the most crucial time for diet adaptation and physical exercise.
A second study demonstrated that exercise during pregnancy not only leads to enhanced health in children but also may help those children be more physically co-ordinated than those whose mothers did not engage in prenatal exercising. Not only that but those children had better motor skills.
What does all of this mean? It means that, the better your physical fitness during your pregnancy, the greater the likelihood that your baby will have a faster metabolism and be better at sports as they grow older! This of course offsets any possible lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes and low fitness levels in children.
After reading this, you may be thinking “How much exercise do I have to get per day?” or “What kind of exercises can I do that is safe?”. Well look no further, because we have listed them below for you! Get 30 minutes of exercise per day without putting too much strain on your body. It is important to consult with your physician before adopting an exercise regime.
Swimming and Water aerobics: A dip in the pool may also help relieve nausea, sciatic pain and puffy ankles. And because baby is floating along with you, it’s gentle on your loosening joints and ligaments (your body’s natural response to pregnancy hormones).
Walking: Walking for 30 minutes to an hour, gently increases your pulse without putting too much strain on the joints. This is a perfect way of getting exercise in, clearing your mind and increasing blood flow throughout the body.
Light treadmill jogging: If jogging is more your speed, it is important to do it on a high quality treadmill instead, as it is much more forgiving on your joints, when compared to a tar road. If you were an avid runner/ jogger before your pregnancy, it is considered safe to continue during your pregnancy.
Other amazing pregnancy exercises include: Indoor cycling, low impact aerobics or dancing and Pregnancy Yoga.
To combat those stiff muscles or swollen feet after exercise, our Shake is filled with protein for faster recovery and collagen. Our salt is perfect for relieving stiff muscles and reduce healing time.