If you are planning to become pregnant, getting in shape before you do so can be extremely beneficial both for you and your baby. Getting in shape before becoming pregnant will make your life while pregnant a lot easier by making you better able to handle some pregnancy symptoms. It also can reduce the chance of having pregnancy complications, and may even make labor and delivery a little smoother. Being healthy yourself before and while you are pregnant will positively affect your baby’s health.

Getting in shape is not difficult, but it requires patience, perseverance, and consistency. If you do not perform any kind of exercise, try getting a routine that is suitable for you now, and that is suitable when you are pregnant. Getting used to working out before you are pregnant is important because it is much more difficult to start working out when you are actually pregnant.

Losing extra weight before pregnancy is also recommended. Being overweight while pregnant increases the chance of developing pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, that can put you and your baby at risk. Being overweight also affects chances of conceiving, so losing weight might help if you’re having trouble getting pregnant.

Exercises that are safe and of great benefit to you before getting pregnant include:

• Yoga: yoga is a great way to get into shape and relax and unwind after a long and tiring day. Yoga can help you lose weight before pregnancy, and if you stick to it after you become pregnant, it can help ease your labor and childbirth.
• Core strengthening: exercises that focus on your core muscles are highly recommended before getting pregnant. Having a strong core can reduce back pain when you are pregnant. A strong core can also give you better balance. Core strengthening exercises include sit-ups, crunches, planks, and many more options.
• Cardio: cardio exercises, such as walking, running, cycling, and any other exercise that increases your heart rate, can be very effective in losing weight and getting in shape before becoming pregnant. Once you become pregnant, choose low-impact cardio exercises like walking or swimming to avoid injuries while maintaining the benefits of exercise.