How Should You Exercise Before Pregnancy?

Most women only start to think about fitness after they get pregnant, but shouldn't you exercise before pregnancy? The answer is yes, though perhaps not for the reasons you think. Pregnancy might be a wonderful, joyful time for you and your family, but it is also hard on your body. When you decide you're ready to have children, it helps to put yourself in better physical shape so that you're ready for the pregnancy, the birth, and the sleepless nights that follow.

Why Exercise Before Pregnancy?

Many women believe that they can start exercising after they actually get pregnant, and perhaps stave off the changes to their body in the process. Pregnancy.org, however, reports that genetics are responsible for determining how much weight you'll gain, and where you'll gain it, during your pregnancy. Although exercise won't reduce the size of your "baby bump", it will have an impact on how well you get through those nine months.

It is also true that when you exercise before pregnancy, you have a better chance of maintaining your health throughout. Although pregnancy conditions such as pre-eclampsia and diabetes can happen regardless of the shape you're in, a healthy body is prepared to fight off any illnesses that might threaten your health or the health of your baby. If this isn't motivation to exercise before pregnancy, I don't know what is!

What Type of Exercise is Good Before Pregnancy?

Most women either start an exercise routine before pregnancy or continue the same one they've been observing for years, both of which are perfectly healthy ways to exercise before pregnancy. There isn't necessarily a prescribed exercise regimen for preparing your body to get pregnant, but the areas you target can have an impact on your overall health. Pregnancy.org suggests targeting the lower back and abs because those are the muscles you'll need to sustain labor and to push.