Pregnancy is a time when a lot of women tend to feel fat. You are gaining weight, feeling fatigued and less active than you ever have been. A healthy, doctor approved exercise plan can help by boosting energy, self-esteem, and even prepare you for an easier childbirth. Here, we will give you some exercise tips that will keep you fit and lift your spirits!

Try everything you can to keep your stress low. A fetus can feel when you are under stress, and you want to keep your unborn child as comfortable as you can. Use meditation and deep breathing along with any other tricks that you have to keep calm under high pressure.

Take your iron pills. Many pregnant women will get anemia at some point during their pregnancy. Your body needs a lot of iron reserves for the birth and after when you are breastfeeding. Ask your doctor early about taking an iron supplement to keep your levels high and prevent anemia in the first place.

A pregnant mother should at all costs avoid any sort of drugs, whether they are alcohol, nicotine, or heavier drugs such as heroin. Your baby can and will develop a chemical dependency in the womb. This also is not to mention the possibility for birth defects. If you’re an expecting mom, stay away from drugs!

Leg cramps are a common issue for pregnant women. Stretch before bed to try to prevent leg cramps. You may also find that drinking some water and taking in potassium can help, so eat fruits like bananas as well.

Write out your birth plan and make sure your doctor and labor coach have a copy. List out what type of medications you are willing to have and in what circumstances you want to move to different laboring methods. Of course, your birth plan is only a plan and if things need to change for the safety of your labor, don’t worry and just go with it.

Taking prenatal vitamins is essential. Your body needs extra nutrition before, during and after your pregnancy. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, start taking these vitamins well before. If you are already pregnant, it’s not too late to start. You will still get the benefits of it. Keep taking them well beyond giving birth. At least until you stop breast feeding.

Being pregnant can be hard on your body. Don’t let that get you down. Make sure that you take good care of yourself by doing lots of stretching exercises. If you can work it in, prenatal yoga is a great way to stay limber, keep moving and keep yourself fit.

If you know someone who has given birth recently, talk to her and you can glean valuable information. It’s of utmost importance that you learn from people that have had to deal with pregnancy before so that you can learn some tips and tricks from them.

Try to avoid some of the chemicals that would be harmful to your body such as paint and toxic supplies around the house. These will end up getting into your bloodstream and could affect the overall health of your baby. Be extra cautious when you are pregnant to protect the child you are carrying.

When you become pregnant, make sure that you inform your job, as soon as possible, so that you are able to file for a maternity leave when the time comes. This will allow you to prepare in advance and allow your employer to find a replacement, for the time you are out.

When taking prenatal vitamins, ensure that the folic acid present is in the right quantity for your body’s needs. This essential vitamin helps to prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects like spina bifida and plays a significant role in tissue development and cell formation in your growing baby, as well.

Grab some rubber bands if you want to keep wearing your favorite jeans through your pregnancy. A neat trick is to take a heavy rubber band and put it through the buttonhole in your jeans. Attach both ends of the rubber band to the button and voila, extra space. Wear longer shirts over the jeans to hide the rubber band.

Talk to your baby. Studies have shown that babies do react to touch from ten weeks in the pregnancy. At later stages they can react to light, your voice as well as other sounds. This will bond you and your baby for life, and while they won’t remember any of this, it will definitely help.

As you can see, there are many benefits that a pregnant woman can get from a healthy exercise plan. You will see a difference in your body, mind and spirit, as you get stronger and healthier. As an added bonus, childbirth is much easier for a woman who stays physically fit during pregnancy!

Congratulations! A Baby Is On The Way! was originally published on Spring