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Benefits of Exercise

• Increased sense of well-being
• Increased energy levels
• Fewer leg cramps
• Lower weight gain
• Larger placenta (the nutritional base for the baby)
• May assist pregnant women with stress incontinence
• Relief of musculoskeletal irritants, constipation, swollen extremities, and fatigue
• Improved posture
• Improved muscular strength and endurance
• Studies show that women who exercise are less likely to require epidural analgesia and have fewer operative births
• Shorter labor and easier delivery (for some people)

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This fact sheet was last updated on 05-21-2007.