Exercise during pregnancy can be very beneficial for moms and their babies. Regular workouts can reduce back pain, manage weight gain, and improve overall health and wellbeing. It’s important to know what type of exercise is safe before you get started. What do you need to know about pregnant moms-to-be and exercise?

• Walking Is a Good Start for Women of All Fitness Levels – Walking is a great exercise choice for everyone, including women who did not workout much before they became pregnant. Try to maintain a brisk pace and always wear comfortable clothing and appropriate walking shoes.
• Swimming Provides Benefits without Excess Joint Pressure – Swimming lets pregnant moms get the benefits of a workout with less joint pressure. Water makes the body feel weightless, which improves your range of motion.
• Consult Your Doctor Before Working Out with a Pre-existing Condition – If you have a pre-existing condition like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, you should consult your doctor before doing any exercise. Physical activity could be harmful in these situations.
• Prenatal Yoga Helps with Flexibility and Circulation – Prenatal yoga helps you stay limber and can improve relaxation. It also stimulates blood flow throughout the body while strengthening muscles. Avoid poses that require lying on the back or abdomen after the first trimester.
• Avoid High-Impact Activities or Those with a Risk of Falling – Sports and other activities that have a higher risk of impact or falling should be avoided during pregnancy.

A medical professional can provide exercise guidelines based on your health status. Every individual is unique, contact Women’s Health today to schedule an appointment to discuss what exercise plan is best for you during each stage of your pregnancy.

Talk to your obstetrician before beginning or increasing any physical activity.

The post Pregnant Moms-To-Be and Exercise: How to Stay Fit Safely When You’re Expecting appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Most new parents experience feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and loneliness after the arrival of a new baby. It’s a normal experience that eventually improves. As many as one in seven women have postpartum depression. This is a much more serious disorder that will not go away without treatment. The following myths will help shed light on a topic that every new parent should know about.

• Myth: Postpartum Depression Only Lasts a Few Months After Giving Birth

Many patients with postpartum depression identify symptoms three or four months after giving birth. This disorder can occur anytime during the first postpartum year and can even begin to appear prior to delivery.

• Myth: I Don’t Need Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Approximately 80% of women develop Baby Blues, which is a short period of sadness after giving birth. The condition goes away on its own. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is much more severe and will require the assistance of a medical professional.

• Myth: Postpartum Depression Means Crying All the Time

Postpartum depression affects each woman differently. Some will cry constantly. Others experience emotional numbness or anger and irritability. Feelings of guilt can also appear because the new mother isn’t enjoying their baby like she thinks she should.

• Myth: Postpartum Depression Will Make a Mother Hurt Her Child

On very rare occasions, some new mothers harm their babies due to mental illness. These situations are often incorrectly attributed to postpartum depression. The disorder does not automatically make a mother hurt her child. Only about .1% of patients will experience postpartum psychosis, which causes a disconnect with reality and is a medical emergency.

• Myth: Only Mothers with a History of Mental Illness Can Get Postpartum Depression

Anyone can experience postpartum depression. Women with no history of mental illness can suffer from the disorder. Many famous people have also dealt with this condition, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Alanis Morissette, and Brooke Shields.

If you notice symptoms of postpartum depression, seek medical advice immediately. Call our office to schedule an appointment and find out how to cope with this disorder.

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First-time mothers may feel overwhelmed as they begin the process of gestation and eventually birth. The key to a healthy pregnancy is to have an OB/GYN that you trust there to monitor progress and help you through the experience. What should you expect when you arrive for your first prenatal visit?

• The First Visit

The first visit may be the longest you’ll have during pregnancy. That’s because your obstetrician has to do a lot of information gathering and testing. They will provide advice about diet, prenatal vitamins, exercise, and more.

• Arrive with the Information Your OB/GYN Needs

Gather information and bring it with you for your appointment. Include any health information about yourself that includes past surgeries, medications you take or have taken, gynecological history, family history, and anything else related to your health and pregnancy. Be specific and write down the names and dosages of all medications and supplements you currently have at home.

• Make a List of Pregnancy Questions and Concerns

The first prenatal visit is also intended for you to gather information. If you have questions or concerns, also write those down and share them with your doctor. The more information you have, the more confident and relaxed you will feel throughout the process.

What Happens During the First Prenatal Appointment?

Your obstetrician will most likely give you a general examination and confirm your pregnancy even if you already had a positive home test. Then they will also perform urine tests, bloodwork, STD screenings, Pap smear, blood sugar test, and a genetic carrier screening if you haven’t already had one. You’ll also get an estimated due date.

If you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant, now is the time to see an OB/GYN. Call Women’s Health today to schedule your appointment.

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