Pregnancy can cause a lot of changes, but it’s important to keep moving and exercising for the health of mother and baby. Health experts recommend pregnant women get about 30 minutes of daily activity. Here are some benefits of exercise during pregnancy and what to keep in mind.
Health Benefits
During early prenatal appointments, speak with your OB-GYN to get approval to exercise, even if you were exercising before pregnancy. It is generally safe for healthy pregnant women to continue or start moderate-intensity physical activity, which can help:
- Ease constipation
- Decrease the risk of cesarean birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or low birth weight
- Promote healthy pregnancy weight gain
- Reduce common back, joint and muscular pain
- Shorten postpartum recovery time
Women who continue their exercise routine during pregnancy may have to make modifications based on physical changes, fetal requirements and medical or prenatal complications.
Precautions
Health Expert
Jackie Werner, MD
OB-GYN
816.452.3300
Read more about Dr. Werner's approach to women's health.
Some physical changes from pregnancy may impact exercise and require limitations. Remember these precautions when exercising during pregnancy:
- Avoid becoming overheated by wearing loose-fitting clothes and exercising in a temperature-controlled room.
- Avoid long periods of lying on your back which can cause the uterus to press on a large vein that returns blood to the heart.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercising to prevent dehydration.
- Exercise in the presence of other people in case of an emergency, like water breaking.
- Limit time standing still to avoid blood collecting in the legs and feet, which can lead to low blood pressure.
Pregnant women should also avoid activities that put them at an increased risk of injury or falling, such as gymnastics, horseback riding, hot yoga, hot Pilates, kickboxing or skiing.
“Pregnant women should look out for warning signs while exercising,” said Jackie Werner, MD, Club W medical director and OB-GYN with Meritas Health Pavilion for Women. “Bleeding, calf or chest pain, contractions, dizziness, feeling off balance, fluid leakage, headaches or weakness should prompt a pregnant woman to stop exercising and contact her OB-GYN.”
If you’re currently pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, speak with a Meritas Health OB-GYN to learn more about the benefits of exercising during pregnancy and for tips on how you can exercise safely. Learn more at nkch.org/Maternity.