Physical Activity and Exercise in Pregnancy

Abstract

SummaryThe benefits of exercise in the general population have been well-recognized. There is ample evidence to demonstrate that moderate exercise in a healthy pregnancy results in no adverse effects and provides consequential benefits.Despite anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy, women with healthy pregnancies and without contraindications can combine aerobic and resistance elements in their workouts. Clinical evaluation by an obstetrician is recommended before beginning an exercise program. Consideration must be given to the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise when providing the patient with an exercise prescription. Scuba diving and contact sports or exercises with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma should be avoided. Women who are beginning an exercise program during pregnancy should start slowly and gradually increase to moderate intensity. Women engaging in strenuous physical activities require additional medical supervision.The nutritional needs of active pregnant women are not clearly defined; however, it should be recognized that there is an additional caloric allowance for increased metabolism and greater energy expenditure both during and after activity. Pregnant women use carbohydrates at a higher rate than do nonpregnant women; this is further increased during exercise, thus adequate carbohydrate intake is essential. Adequate fluid intake helps control the core body temperature and is essential to replace fluid loss during exercise.Because habits adopted during pregnancy can result in persistent lifestyle improvements, exercise during pregnancy could significantly reduce the lifetime risks of obesity, chronic hypertension and diabetes—not only for pregnant women, but also for their families as well. Overall, a woman whose exercise habits have become firmly entrenched during pregnancy stands a much better chance of maintaining them after her child is born.