Exercises Should Be Recommended During Pregnancy

Research says that not all obstetricians urge their pregnant patients to exercise regularly, when it should be recommended in most of the cases.

The researcher from Saint Louis University School of Medicine had written on the topic in the September issue of a publication for obstetricians and gynecologists.

With ample evidence to show that regular, moderate exercise in women with healthy pregnancies results in no adverse maternal or fetal effects, obstetricians should make exercise recommendations a top priority, says the study. The hesitance of obstetricians to recommend exercise to pregnant women is rooted in old-fashioned notions of pregnancy as a time of confinement.

The researcher points out that pregnancy is a perfect time for women to begin exercising because they stick with the habits they adopt during pregnancy after their babies are born.

The promotion of exercise during pregnancy is an important public health issue that could significantly reduce the lifetime risks of obesity, chronic hypertension and diabetes – not only for patients, but for their families as well.

The article recommends that pregnant women engage in moderate exercise – such as brisk walking, which allows them to carry a normal conversation – for about a half hour a day. They can combine aerobic and resistance training, but should avoid contact sports or activities that carry a high risk of falling or trauma to the abdomen.

While it is not recommended to exercise to control weight during pregnancy, it’s important to overall wellness.

Advertisement

Source: Newswise