Pregnancy fitness helps mother and baby.
Fitness need not take a back seat during pregnancy just because some types of exercise are stressful or harmful to the mother and child. Aqua fitness is one type of physical activity that helps pregnant women feel better, not worse.
Stress Management
In "Aquatic-Aerobic Exercise as a Means of Stress Reduction during Pregnancy," Kara Mallory Parker, WHNP, RNC, MS and Sheila A. Smith, RN, PhD, FACCE, reported that in their pilot study, pregnant women who had done aquatic aerobics were more capable of stress management than those who did not exercise.
Delivery Help
Parenthood's "Water Aerobics in Pregnancy" cites Dr. Jane Katz, a physical education professor from City University of New York, as saying that the actual delivery of the child is easier on the mother for women who exercise.
Safe Temperature
Also discussed in Parenthood is the fact that aqua fitness is beneficial in that the exercises can be done without the pregnant woman becoming overheated. This is important because too much heat can cause birth defects or other problems with the baby.
Breathing Techniques
During aquatic fitness classes, mothers can practice Lamaze breathing techniques if they are planning to have a natural childbirth, according to "Water Aerobics in Pregnancy."
Maintain Fitness
According to Effective Water Fitness, aquatic aerobics can allow a woman to maintain and even improve her level of fitness without injury because the water supports her increasing weight and shifting balance.
Control Weight
Water aerobics help mothers control their appetites and help them burn more calories in exercise. Also, mood changes that might lead to overeating are alleviated by the aerobic exercise, says Effective Water Fitness.
Tags: Aerobics Pregnancy, aquatic aerobics, Effective Water, Effective Water Fitness, pregnant women, Water Aerobics, Water Aerobics Pregnancy