Health Benefits From Exercising During and After Pregnancy

The American College of Sports Medicine endorses the health benefits of activity for pregnant women and their fetuses.

The published report is based on findings from a national panel of scientific and clinical experts who evaluated numerous published studies. The report is based on the most current research, which clearly suggests long-term benefits from physical activity for both the mother and her baby.

It is the consensus of the expert panel that exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period:

Reduces Risk of Preeclampsia

This condition is marked by high blood pressure, proteinuria (protein in urine) and edema in the mother, which makes her more likely to experience metabolic disturbances during this time similar to those with coronary heart disease and chronic hypertension.

Treats or Prevents Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes during pregnancy, related to a shift in hormones causing insulin resistance and high blood glucose. Exercise is considered an adjunctive therapy for this condition.

Helps Manage or Alleviate Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Issues

Exercise and previous physical fitness can help manage low-back pain, pregnancy-related urinary incontinence, abdominal muscle disturbances and joint and muscle injuries.

Links Breastfeeding and Postpartum Weight Loss

Weight loss can occur through moderate exercise and calorie restriction without negatively affecting breast milk production and infant growth.

Positively Impacts Mood and Mental Health

Many women experience negative mood symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Exercise has been shown to improve mood, increase vigor, reduce fatigue, stress and anxiety, decrease symptoms of negative mood and depression, and improve self-concept.

Go ahead and give it a try! You and your baby will be glad you did!

Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
My Fitness Hut
Her Fitness Hut
Sports Fitness Hut



Comments

About Mark

Hi, I'm Mark Dilworth, Nutritionist, Dietary Strategies Specialist, Nutrition for Metabolic Health Specialist and Lifestyle Weight Management Specialist. Since 2006, I have helped thousands of clients and readers make lifestyle habit changes which includes body transformation and ideal body weight.