5 reasons to get your groove on during pregnancy

There are plenty of ways pregnant women can fulfill their fitness needs while having fun, too. Read on to learn five ways dancing benefits moms-to-be.

Your doctor has likely informed you about the importance of exercise during pregnancy, but there are only so many hours you can log on a treadmill without getting bored. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to fulfill your fitness needs while having fun, too. For many pregnant women, dancing tops the list. Read on to learn five ways dancing benefits moms-to-be.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommends that healthy, complication-free pregnant women get ample aerobic and strength training during pregnancy. Dancing is a fun, simple way to do both. It gets your heart going, strengthens your core, improves circulation and strengthens back muscles. It also helps you keep weight gain to a minimum.

Many pregnant women lose energy as the day progresses. By the end of the workday, you may feel ready to crawl into bed. By building up your endurance levels, dance helps you feel more energetic throughout the day and into the evening. Because your body is stronger thanks to dance, you can accomplish more while exerting a lower amount of energy.

Just because hormones and mood swings often go along with pregnancy, doesn't mean you have to just give in to negative feelings. In fact, dance is a valuable mood booster because when you exercise, your body releases endorphins for a natural high. Dance can also help bolster your self-image, which is particularly important for women who struggle with the physical changes that happen during pregnancy.

Aerobic activity like dance has been linked to a reduction in everything from preeclampsia and early term labour. Dance has also been connected to fewer medical interventions like Cesarean sections during labour and to a shorter recovery time after the baby is born.

While many pregnant women struggle with health issues during pregnancy, exercise can help reverse this frustrating trend. Just make sure not to start your workout too close to bedtime, as this can have the opposite effect.

As your pregnancy progresses, your abilities and comfort levels may change. For example, while high-impact Zumba may be perfect for your first trimester, you may need to change to low-impact moves during the second and third trimesters. Also, whatever exercise routine you choose, be sure to drink plenty of liquids and stop if you feel tired.