Exercise during pregnancy is beneficial, just as exercise when not pregnant is beneficial. When you’re pregnant, exercise can help keep weight gain in check, reduce a woman’s risk of gestational diabetes, decrease discomfort during pregnancy, and may help ease labor and delivery.

Summer is Arriving!

With a turn of the calendar page, we are into a new month. And with that meteorologists are predicting Casper will be hastening into summer. Temperatures during the weekend are expected to top 80, maybe even 85, degrees. It’s time to get out and exercise!

The Center for Disease Control recommends doing 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, several days a week throughout your pregnancy.

Walking, jogging, even swimming can be beneficial to both mom and baby. A recent study of more than 800 mothers showed that “women who burned the most calories through third-trimester exercise gave birth to babies with 41.1 g less fat mass compared to women who exercised the least.”

It’s Never Too Late to Move!

No matter stage you are in your pregnancy, it’s never too late to get moving, and the upcoming summer-like weather may be a good time to start. Whether you’re in your first, second, or third trimester, exercise is beneficial to you and your unborn.

Remember, though, to stay hydrated, whether you walk (or do other types of exercise) this week, this weekend, or whenever. Drink plenty of water! That vital liquid is important to help regulate your body temperature and for keeping the joints lubricated, among other benefits, including helping your unborn baby get the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Plan to drink 12 to 15 glasses of water a day, and more when you’re exercising. Learn more at http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/drink-enough-water/.

Also remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen while pregnant. If you’ve never run before, pregnancy is not the optimal time to go out and try to run a marathon, like the one planned for Casper on Sunday (you can attend and cheer on your favorite runner though!). Additionally, exercises that include a need for strong balance (such as rock climbing) or high impact sports like kickboxing or football could be dangerous to a woman and her unborn.

Do take advantage of the nice weather that’s expected this week and get in some gardening, walking, swimming, or bicycling – Mike Sedar Pool near Casper College is scheduled to open this weekend! No matter what activity you engage in, remember to stay hydrated!

For more information on exercise during pregnancy, talk with your doctor and find ideas at http://www.fitpregnancy.com/exercise/prenatal-workouts.