Being pregnant, giving birth and nurturing your new little bundle of joy is one of the most astounding things a woman can ever go through. It can also be one of the most demanding, tiring and stressful times of your life! Thus, finding the right balance to get and stay healthy is vital for both YOU and YOUR BABY.
Nearly half of U.S. women gain too much weight while they’re pregnant (CDC, 2015)! Appropriate weight gain is an important health factor to balance during pregnancy. Of course it is normal to gain some weight during pregnancy, but pay close attention that you’re gaining the right amount according to your current body weight (see chart below).
In October of 2015, I gave birth to my first child, Jackson. Like most moms, he means the absolute world to me and I’d do most anything for him. I want you to ponder that statement a bit more, “…I’d do most anything for him/her!”, before you read any further. What does that mean to you?
Considering you’d do most anything for your child, I think it’s only fitting you’d be willing to get yourself in the best shape possible so that your child can reap the benefits. And the benefits start long before you even get pregnant! The better shape you’re in before you conceive the easier your pregnancy will be along the way. Exercise will give you energy, aide in stress management, improve the quality of your sleep, facilitate an easier labor, and speed your post-delivery recovery time. So get started early!
Julia Karlstad, M.Ed., CSCS-NSCA, SFN-ISSA www.juliakarlstad.com JKFITNESS