Exercise and Pregnancy
The following is an interpretation
of ACOG's recommendations*
and is not a substitute for medical advice or medical clearance
to exercise.
Discuss your exercise program with your OBGYN,
get medical clearance to exercise,
and use common sense when exercising while pregnant.
There are several benefits associated
with exercise during pregnancy. Exercise improves digestion,
helps control excessive weight gain, helps reduce swelling in
the extremities, improves posture and minimizes back pain, and
increases circulation. It can relieve stress, depression, may
result in increased energy, and often leads to a sense of well-being.
Some studies suggest that women who exercise when pregnant spend
less time in labor and require less medical intervention during
delivery.
The American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists (ACOG) has set guidelines for exercise during
pregnancy. Physicians use ACOG's guidelines along with medical
history, trimester, health of the mother, and activity level prior
to pregnancy to make recommendations on exercise. If you are pregnant,
inform your physician of your current exercise program. Each person
and each pregnancy is different, and your physician is the professional
who should set exercise guidelines for you. Use common sense when
exercising while pregnant. Exercise should not be too strenuous,
include impact, or present a risk to the mother or baby. There
should also be a natural decrease in duration and intensity of
exercise as the pregnancy progresses.
Interpretation
of Exercise Precautions According to ACOG:
(Original document referenced below.)
- Exercise should be mild to moderate. Regular exercise (at
least 3 times per week) rather than intermittent exercise is
preferred. After the first trimester, avoid motionless standing
and exercise where you are in the supine position (lying on
back). Blood flow to the uterus may be compromised in these
positions.
- Exercise should be modified according to
maternal symptoms. An exercise program that is mild in intensity
is usually permissible. However, a moderate or high intensity
exercise program may compromise available oxygen.
- Avoid exercise that presents a risk of injury to the mother
or the baby. Exercise that requires balance or stability especially
in the third trimester is not safe. Non-weight bearing exercises
such as swimming or cycling are considered safe. Avoid exercise
that could lead to abdominal trauma.
- Increase the amount of calories from healthy foods. ACOG notes
that pregnancy requires an additional 300 calories per day without
the addition of exercise to maintain equilibrium.
- Make sure you don't become too hot when exercising during
the first trimester. Maintain hydration, evaluate the climate
for exercise, and dress appropriately.
- After birth, resume a pre-pregnancy exercise program gradually
and base the program on your physical state. Physical changes
that occur during pregnancy may persist 4-6 weeks after birth.
*Adapted from, American College
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Exercise During pregnancy
and the Postpartum Period (technical bulletin #189). Washington,
DC: ACOG, 1994
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