Active vs relaxed

am0138

Someone told me today that the more active you are throughout pregnancy (like a full time job, exercise routine, keeping busy) the easier and quicker your labor and delivery will be. Have any of you found this to be true? I'm a little nervous because I stay at home, have no previous children, and pretty much live on the lazier side because all I want to do is rest and relax. A day out and about completely wipes me out. Any suggestions besides start exercising?

ashleywiz

Not sure there are any other suggestions aside from, "start exercising," I mean...it doesn't have to mean go sign up for a gym membership or anything. Could be a simple as looking up some prenatal yoga/aerobics on your computer and doing those instead of watching a show?  Just 30 minutes a day is incredibly beneficial for EVERYONE (pregnant or not). Plus- being physically active is proven to give more energy (aka would get rid of the rest and relax mentality).  

Also just taking the stairs instead of an elevator/escalator, walking an extra lap around the mall...I donno- there are tons of ways to add more activity into your life. Do you enjoy any activities?  

Strong muscles/joints/ligaments= happier body, period. [then again I'm pretty active so it's easy to be an advocate for it since it elevates energy, strength, etc] I haven't personally experienced this but among the friends and family who have had children, there's a distinct difference. Just get out and enjoy some sunshine on your face and breeze in your hair momma!

am0138

I'm not what one would consider "athletic" by any means and I don't regularly exercise, but I'm healthy and appear fit. I wonder if a daily walk around my neighborhood would be a good place to start? It amazes me that what I used to be able to do now causes me to lose my breath a lot easier. I don't have money for any classes though I would love to try prenatal yoga or swimming, but pulling up short videos is a good idea. I just need to make it a daily goal an stick with it!

Vera81

Not true in my case. I'm very active with now three kids at home and exercise through pregnancy each time. 2 labors were over 24 hours but my second was only 4 hours.

Vera81

Although I'm sure being as fit as possible did help me get through labor and delivery.

joshsmandy

Every one will experience labor and delivery differently. I have always had easy labor and delivery bs just happen to be very active but my sister who is also very active had a long and hard labor and delivery

ashleywiz

I'm not what one would consider "athletic" by any means and I don't regularly exercise, but I'm healthy and appear fit. I wonder if a daily walk around my neighborhood would be a good place to start? It amazes me that what I used to be able to do now causes me to lose my breath a lot easier. I don't have money for any classes though I would love to try prenatal yoga or swimming, but pulling up short videos is a good idea. I just need to make it a daily goal an stick with it!

Yes, exactly! & being fit may not help labor ...but recovery, I can't imagine how it wouldn't help. You don't have to be athletic by any means to be in healthy shape. Just going on daily walks around the neighborhood and enjoying the fresh air is a great start!  There are great prenatal yoga DVDs out there, especially helpful for us ladies on a budget  

baby2ra

I'm not sure exactly how true this is.  I was working full time as a teacher during my first pregnancy so I was on my feet most of the day.  I still had a very long labor although I wouldn't necessarily consider it a difficult one.  That being said, I don't think it hurts at all to lead an active, healthy lifestyle during your pregnancy.  Its not going to hinder your delivery in any way.  I would definitely encourage you to find something active to do everyday!  Even if it doesn't help your labor, it would certainly help you to have more energy and feel better during your pregnancy.