Antenatal Exercise (Riyazat): Mind Body Maintenance

Abstract

Exercising during pregnancy can be beneficial to both mum and baby, however certain activities need to be adapted to make them suitable, as pregnancy is the most important stage of women’s life; she experiences so many feelings both physically and psychologically. The majority of primigravida experiences pain during pregnancy. Mother faces number of troubles during the entire period of her pregnancy, which happen due to physiological and anatomical changes observed in the body. The phenomenon of maternal adaptation is increasing demand of growing foetus. Various ailments among pregnant woman are: physiological changes which may include backache, cramps in legs, ankle oedema, varicose vein, insomnia, haemorrhoids, gastrointestinal symptoms, weight gain, gestational diabetes and hypertension are commonest. There are a number of drugs which are contraindicated and some drugs are indicated with extra precaution in the management of pregnancy related major illness. It is believed that exercise in pregnancy can help to manage pregnancy related musculoskeletal problems, improve sleep disturbance, prevent weight gain, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, prolonged labor and reduce the risk of pre-mature death. It is likely to remain active during pregnancy. Regular activity helps to keep you fit during pregnancy and may improve ability to cope up with labor and will also make easier to get back in shape after delivery. Unani physician since centuries had practiced of riyazat (exercise) on pregnant women with an aim to reduce pregnancy related symptoms, better foetal growth and easy labor which are revalidated by modern scientific studies.

Keywords: Antenatal exercise (Riyazat), pregnancy

Cite this Article Aqlimunissa, Khan Shaheen, Asma Chaudhary et al. Antenatal Exercise (Riyazat): Mind Body Maintenance. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2018; 5(1):     22–26p.