Most women know the importance of exercise while pregnant, but most women either put off getting into exercise up until they become pregnant, or they may not know its importance before becoming pregnant.

Why before Pregnancy?
Getting into shape and starting exercise before becoming pregnant is important for the following reasons:

• Complications: regular physical exercise reduces the chances of developing pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes. Starting before becoming pregnant will also help you lose extra weight, which further reduces the chance of complications.
• Energy: starting exercise before becoming pregnant allows you to be in shape at the beginning of your pregnancy, which can make you better able to deal with fatigue and low energy during pregnancy.
• Symptoms: getting into shape before becoming pregnant may prevent symptoms associated with pregnancy, such as low back pain and swelling.
• Wellbeing: starting an exercise routine before becoming pregnant will boost both your physical and mental wellbeing in preparation for pregnancy. In fact, physical exercise before and during pregnancy reduces the chance of developing postnatal depressing.
• Getting into it: starting exercise while pregnant may prove difficult to some women because of the fatigue most women feel during pregnancy. Starting early will allow you time to get into the routine and increase your chances of sticking to it after you become pregnant.
• Fertility: exercise helps boost fertility, and it may help you get pregnant faster.
• Birth: regular exercise before and during pregnancy can help you have a smoother and easier birth when the time comes.

How much to Exercise?
Too much exercise when trying to conceive may actually make it harder for you to become pregnant. It is recommended for women trying to get pregnant to aim for an exercise routine that involves 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercises most days of the week.

What Is Safe?
Some exercises may not be safe at the beginning of pregnancy, and because most women find out they are pregnant a few weeks later, it is necessary you do not perform exercises that may be dangerous for the fetus. See your doctor and ask about the safety of all the exercises you do, or ask about what is safe for you.