Pregnancy and Exercise: Should You Stay Active When There’s a Bun in the Oven?
Pregnancy is one of the most precious milestones in a woman’s life, expected or not. However, it’s not rocket science to know that the entire process is delicate, which is why you should keep your health in check for this enchanting yet tedious journey.
Concerned family members advise pregnant women to avoid moving too much
In fact, family members and doctors had advised against any rigorous activities for pregnant women, while some go as far as to say not to move at all, thinking that it could be harmful to the development of the bundle of joy. However, it was found that exercising is quite crucial.
According to a study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, there is a link between a healthy birth and working out. Doctor Vincenzo Berghella, one of the authors of the research, explained that most people base their perception about this matter on the fact that when a person exercises, the body releases the hormone norepinephrine, which could cause contractions and therefore a pre-term delivery.
But, this study and many others have shown that exercise is, in fact, beneficial for the mom and her child. The research analyzed over 2,050 expectant and found that there was no notable increase in those that gave birth early than those who didn’t.
The women who participated were all healthy, meaning they had no health concerns, and had normal weights. Because of their state, they were allowed to exercise — three or four times a week for 35 minutes to 1-and-a-half hours.
Seventy-three of those who exercised regularly had a normal delivery while the figure was just 67 percent for those who didn’t. Meanwhile, there was only 17 percent of those who stayed active during their pregnancy that gave birth via cesarean section while it was 22 percent for those who remained sedentary.
All these proved just how exercise is advantageous for expectant moms. It is worth noting that staying fit and healthy even before getting pregnant is already crucial to avoid diseases.
Walking is an easy way to stay active when you are pregnant
Plus, the finding is a nod to the guidelines provided by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which also says that exercise can help lessen back pains among expectant. The association advises 150 minutes per week.
However, this may be a hard feat for some of them, especially those who have a critical pregnancy. Others feel tired or uncomfortable moving around with the added weight.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to spend hours at the gym or to lift weights. As per ACOG, pregnant women can try water workouts, walking, stationary bicycling, brisk walking, light swimming, yoga, or gardening.
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