The Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy

There's long been documentation that exercise during pregnancy has its benefits. Paul Sorace, MS, Fellow of the National Board of Fitness Examiners and a teacher at the American Fitness Professionals and Associates, lists the following:

Decreased risk of gestational diabetes & long-term obesity
Control of gestational diabetes
Improved energy levels
Improved posture Improved muscle tone, strength, endurance
Possible faster delivery
Enhanced recovery from childbirth
Reduced backaches
Reduced bloating and swelling

So the short answer is: yes, exercise during pregnancy is good. Which types and how strenuous they should be is the real question.

While you don't have to treat your body like it's made of eggshells, there are a few sports and activities that are best avoided until after the baby is born. The good news? The ones you should steer clear of are pretty much common sense.

Jim Pivarnik, professor of kinesiology and epidemiology at Michigan State University says that other than avoiding blunt trauma activities and those where you would lose your balance, your beloved gym routine can carry on as usual. "Women should go by their symptoms, what she is doing now compared to when she was not pregnant, and what her doctor allows."

In other words, that "Intro to Tae Kwon Do" that you've always wanted to try? Not good. Yoga and running? Sure. "Weight training is okay, as long as it's not overdone," he says

Remember the old adage "Be moderate in all things" Do not overdo it.

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