Lasting benefits of exercise during and post pregnancy

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We all are well aware that exercise – be it in a gym, yoga, bike ride, or even a run can have a profound effect on our health not just in terms of keeping off those extra pounds but can also help in preventing diseases like type 2 diabetes.

During pregnancy, it becomes more than crucial to keep your body moving, irrespective of whether you have been following an exercise routine in the past or not. Be it the first trimester where you are struggling to keep your meal down or it is the second trimester when you are just beginning to get used to the body transformation or the third and final trimester where you are constantly running to the bathroom; hitting the gym might not necessarily be among your top priorities. But multiple bodies of research have suggested that some form of exercise can be highly beneficial to both the mum-to-be and the baby. Something as trivial as a light stroll around the neighbourhood or a stretching session can lead to an improved mood, better sleep spattern, an easier labour and a quicker recovery. In other words, there are multiple benefits to getting acquainted with Pregnancy physiotherapy.

Advantages of exercise during pregnancy:

Reduced risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes
Lower odds of delivery complications
Maintaining a healthy weight gain
Improved body postures thereby reducing aches and pain
Building an immune system for the baby
Reduced stress, anxiety and insomnia
Improved mood and mental frame of mind
Lower blood pressure
Better bowel movements and thus relieved constipation
Faster postnatal recovery
Increase in pain endurance and stamina for labour and birth

Propel Physiotherapy in Moone Ponds has made it their mission to empower new moms into taking care of themselves while attending to their new-born babies as well. The founder Aileen Sim has gone through the life-changing event herself and totally understands the lack of postnatal care available as everything is focussed on the babies and their health. She cared and prioritised her health and getting fitter which eventually helped her tremendously in taking care of the baby.

Aileen is a firm believer in rehabilitating the body the right way after the delivery of a baby. Precisely why, the Postnatal Pilates exercise routine introduced by Propel Physiotherapy is a great way of improving core strength, lower body, upper body and overall strength in the early postnatal phase. A lot of emphasis is laid on strengthening the core, toning the pelvic floor muscles and improving overall strength. Since every person’s body is different, the exercise routine is modified and individualized to specifically match the particular strength and weakness of the body.

Benefits of postnatal pilates exercise:

Improves core and glutes strength
Reduces tummy separation
Improves pelvic floor and upper body strength
Minimizes back and neck pain
Improves postural awareness
Better socializing with other mums and babies
Joy of exercising along with your baby

Propel Physiotherapy also provides postnatal check-up to ensure you have a smooth transition into motherhood. It includes tummy separation and core activation check along with a home exercise program. There’s also Musculoskeletal Assessment of back, neck, upper back and management plan for aches and pains. The postural assessment helps in terms of functional tasks like getting on/off floor or breastfeeding posture. And lastly, the much anticipated discussion on return to exercise routine