There are several benefits of being physically active during and after pregnancy. These include prevention of preeclampsia (1), gestational diabetes and severe musculoskeletal complication (2). Being physically active also aids in the recovery from childbirth and postpartum weight maintenance.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises pregnant women to engage in regular, moderate intensity physical activity. That means approximately 30 minutes of moderate exercise such as a daily brisk walk or cycling.
One of the study authors, in Petersen et al, Terry Leet, Ph.D. said, that pregnant women should exercise unless advised otherwise by their physician because of medical or obstetric complications observed during their pregnancy. Women beginning an exercise program during pregnancy should perform moderate, non-weight-bearing activities, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. She said that women who exercised prior to their pregnancy should continue their activities, except for activities that might possibly cause abdominal distress such as contact sports and scuba diving.
In a study reported by Borodulin et al. (2008) 71.6% white, 17.3% African American, 11.1% other of 1,482 women, a majority of them reported some physical activity during the second (96.5%) and third (93.9%) trimester. The level of intensity and total volume of exercise decreased between the second and third trimester. The physical activity reported consists of care-related responsibilities, household indoor related and recreational activities.
Unfortunately, the recommendations set by ACOG fell on many deaf ears. Women who were pregnant and met the recommended physical activity levels were more likely to be non-smokers, non-Hispanic white, more educated, not married, younger, and have higher incomes. Women smokers and those coming from a lower socioeconomic status were markers for a more passive lifestyle during pregnancy.
Exercise seems to be losing its appeal among the general population. Non-pregnant women who exercised at least three times a week declined to 14% in 2000 from 17% in 1996. Pregnant women who exercised at least three times a week declined from 9% in 1994 to 6% in 2000. Also, women who did not exercise when they were not pregnant were less likely to start exercising regularly when they got pregnant.
According to Dr. Raul Artal of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, obstetricians are hesitant to recommend exercise to pregnant women. He believes that it is rooted in the old-fashioned notions of pregnancy as a time of rest and accouchement.
Doctors, personal trainers and fitness professionals can attend to their pregnant clients and patients helpfully by way of proper education of the health benefits of staying physical activity during pregnancy. They should encourage clients and patients with uncomplicated pregnancies and who do not have a medical history or a history of obstetric complications to follow the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Center for Disease Control guidelines that every pregnant woman should get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily.
References:
Borodulin, K.M., Evenson, K.R., Wen, F., Herring, A.H., and Benson, A.M. (2008). Physical activity patterns during pregnancy. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40(11), 1901-1908.
Petersen et al, Correlate of Physical Activity among Pregnant Women in the United States, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise; Nov. 2005; p.1748-1753.
Definition of some terms:
1) Preeclampsia - abnormal state of pregnancy identified by fluid retention and hypertension
2) Musculoskeletal complications - discomfort in the back, pelvis and tenderness of the lower extremities. - 30525
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises pregnant women to engage in regular, moderate intensity physical activity. That means approximately 30 minutes of moderate exercise such as a daily brisk walk or cycling.
One of the study authors, in Petersen et al, Terry Leet, Ph.D. said, that pregnant women should exercise unless advised otherwise by their physician because of medical or obstetric complications observed during their pregnancy. Women beginning an exercise program during pregnancy should perform moderate, non-weight-bearing activities, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. She said that women who exercised prior to their pregnancy should continue their activities, except for activities that might possibly cause abdominal distress such as contact sports and scuba diving.
In a study reported by Borodulin et al. (2008) 71.6% white, 17.3% African American, 11.1% other of 1,482 women, a majority of them reported some physical activity during the second (96.5%) and third (93.9%) trimester. The level of intensity and total volume of exercise decreased between the second and third trimester. The physical activity reported consists of care-related responsibilities, household indoor related and recreational activities.
Unfortunately, the recommendations set by ACOG fell on many deaf ears. Women who were pregnant and met the recommended physical activity levels were more likely to be non-smokers, non-Hispanic white, more educated, not married, younger, and have higher incomes. Women smokers and those coming from a lower socioeconomic status were markers for a more passive lifestyle during pregnancy.
Exercise seems to be losing its appeal among the general population. Non-pregnant women who exercised at least three times a week declined to 14% in 2000 from 17% in 1996. Pregnant women who exercised at least three times a week declined from 9% in 1994 to 6% in 2000. Also, women who did not exercise when they were not pregnant were less likely to start exercising regularly when they got pregnant.
According to Dr. Raul Artal of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, obstetricians are hesitant to recommend exercise to pregnant women. He believes that it is rooted in the old-fashioned notions of pregnancy as a time of rest and accouchement.
Doctors, personal trainers and fitness professionals can attend to their pregnant clients and patients helpfully by way of proper education of the health benefits of staying physical activity during pregnancy. They should encourage clients and patients with uncomplicated pregnancies and who do not have a medical history or a history of obstetric complications to follow the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Center for Disease Control guidelines that every pregnant woman should get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily.
References:
Borodulin, K.M., Evenson, K.R., Wen, F., Herring, A.H., and Benson, A.M. (2008). Physical activity patterns during pregnancy. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40(11), 1901-1908.
Petersen et al, Correlate of Physical Activity among Pregnant Women in the United States, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise; Nov. 2005; p.1748-1753.
Definition of some terms:
1) Preeclampsia - abnormal state of pregnancy identified by fluid retention and hypertension
2) Musculoskeletal complications - discomfort in the back, pelvis and tenderness of the lower extremities. - 30525
About the Author:
Rochester Athletic Club, Rochester Health Club and Rochester Personal Training dedicate their services to fitness and health.
