well-being fi tness
women without health or obstetrical compli- cations exercise a minimum of 30 minutes ev- ery day while pregnant. This is especially true for obese women, who are at increased risk for potential pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Most providers reduce recommended
weight-gain goals for their patients to much more modest plans. It’s not necessary to eat for two, and if you are overweight you can safely limit weight gain to 15 pounds — even less if you are obese or suffer from diabetes. Many women wonder if exercise is safe for
the developing fetus or if there is a risk of an early delivery or miscarriage. In the absence of very specifi c pregnancy-related complications, exercise is overwhelmingly viewed as safe and necessary to curb weight gain and improve overall health. In fact, researchers have found no association with fetal growth restriction, miscarriage or preterm labor. Regular exercise may also prepare you for the physical and emotional demands of labor and delivery. In addition, it may decrease the risk of postpar- tum depression, improve sleep quality and boost cardiovascular health. After giving birth, women who wish to
breastfeed can also feel confi dent continuing or resuming their previous fi tness regimens, as exercise does not interfere with the produc- tion of breast milk.
First Things First Before starting an exercise plan, take into consideration the changes that occur during pregnancy that may affect your ability to perform certain activities. Things to consider are the changes in your center of gravity, the effect of weight gain on joints, a decreased ability to quickly change direction and the risks of abdominal trauma late in pregnancy. Exercise should activate large muscle
24
Talk to your provider before beginning any exercise program
groups. Consider swimming, walking or jog- ging, aerobics or rowing. Cycling can be safe early in pregnancy, but consider transitioning to a stationary bike later in pregnancy. A balanced fi tness program while pregnant
is one of the best prescriptions for expect- ant mothers and their babies. Talk to your provider. Obtain a pre-exercise obstetrical screening before beginning any exercise regimen. Together, you and your provider can fi nd the best fi tness solution to optimize your health for pregnancy and life beyond.
Chemen M. Tate, MD, is a practicing physician and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
For more information on fi tness and your pregnancy, go to
youandyourfamily.com.
www.youandyourfamily.com
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