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Most expecting mothers wish to avoid a caesarean delivery at all costs. While childbirth in itself does not qualify as surgical intervention; a caesarean childbirth requires making a surgical incision through the abdomen and uterus to ‘extract’ a baby; for lack of a better word. There are multiple reasons why women proactively avoid a c-section delivery. These reasons include but are not limited to…                                               

• The risks that are associated with surgical intervention
• Greater dependence on healthcare providers
• Extended hospital stay
• Pain and trauma
• Extended period of bed rest post delivery
• Higher delivery costs compounded by an extended hospital stay and the cost of surgical assistance                                          

Bearing all the above factors in mind; it is easy to see why women would choose to avoid a c-section delivery. As mentioned before; most women take proactive measures to prevent the need for a c-section delivery and this almost always involves working out and exercising during the pregnancy phase. Yes! There are specific workouts that women can indulge in during the pregnancy phase that increases the chances of a normal childbirth; exercises that in no way detrimentally affect the growing fetus within the womb. Read further to know what these exact workout for expecting mothers are.

Exercising During Pregnancy &  Precautionary Measures

Exercising with care is always a good idea during the pregnancy phase. Exercising is beneficial at any stage in life. However, during the pregnancy phase; there should be an added emphasis on care and precaution. This is why most health experts advice restricting oneself to low impact exercises during the pregnancy phase.

This may include walking, swimming and even yoga with a due amount of caution to ensure that you aren't excessively wearing yourself out while exercising. Precautions that a soon to be mother can take while exercising includes avoiding lying on one’s back during workouts after the first trimester of pregnancy and strictly avoiding indulging in sports that may involve falling or being hit with a flying object such as a ball. The emphasis is on keeping the body lithe and flexible without causing excessive stress. To achieve this; an expecting mother can even opt for other exercises such as…

• Light cardio workouts such as water aerobics and walking which improves metabolism and burns calories; ensuring healthy pregnancy weight that can go a long way in preventing delivery complications.
• A normal delivery requires strength and stamina which can be built up during the pregnancy phase with exercises that emphasize on muscle work.
• Stretching exercises such as yoga or calisthenics during the pregnancy phase that can adequately prepare the body for the stress of labour.

In conclusion; one must note that any exercise related endeavours during the pregnancy phase should be green-signalled by your primary care physician. That being said, exercise during the pregnancy phase can lower blood pressure, prevent excessive weight gain and increase strength and stamina; all of which can be beneficial when avoiding a c-section delivery.