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Remembering the time she was pregnant with her son Arhaan Khan in 2002, Malaika Arora recently shared that she was extremely active throughout the nine months. “Eating for two is a myth. Eat what you feel like eating. I was highly active. Maybe that’s not for many others, but I was extremely active. I was working. I tried to work out as much as possible.”
Adiing that her workouts were “not crazy” or extreme, Malaika continued: “I would walk, do yoga. I did all of it in my pregnancy. It helped me stay mentally and physically fit. I didn’t gain too much weight. I was at a decent weight. I didn’t go crazy eating just because I was pregnant. Many women do that. Do it in moderation. Don’t have to go crazy. The most important thing for me was that I ate right, healthy, but I was very active. I did my walk twice a day. I would swim. I would do all of that. It really helped me after my delivery. Till my eighth month, I was working.”
How does an extremely active pregnancy help the mother post-delivery?
Dr Manjusha Goel, lead consultant, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said that an active pregnancy plays a vital role in supporting a mother’s overall health and can significantly aid recovery after delivery. “Regular physical activity during pregnancy helps maintain healthy weight gain, improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, and enhances stamina. These benefits directly translate into a smoother labour process and a faster postpartum recovery, as the body is better conditioned to handle the physical demands of childbirth,” said Dr Goel.
According to Dr Goel, exercise during pregnancy also improves core and pelvic floor strength, which reduces the risk of back pain, improves posture, and aids bladder control post-delivery. “Mothers who stay active often experience less fatigue, better sleep, and reduced stress and anxiety, which together contribute to improved mental well-being in the postpartum period,” said Dr Goel.
Importantly, staying active during pregnancy reduces the risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension, conditions that may otherwise complicate recovery, mentioned Dr Goel. “It also helps the body return more quickly to pre-pregnancy fitness levels and supports long-term health,” said Dr Goel.
Irrespective of the mode of delivery, Dr Goel said that every new mother should continue doing guided exercises as advised by her healthcare provider, to regain strength safely and effectively. “In essence, an active pregnancy not only nurtures the growing baby but also equips the mother with strength, resilience, and energy for the journey beyond childbirth,” said Dr Goel.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
