Do Pregnant Women Need to Exercise

There are several benefits of being physically active during and after pregnancy. These include prevention of preeclampsia (1), gestational diabetes and severe musculoskeletal complication (2). Being physically active also aids in the recovery from childbirth and postpartum weight maintenance.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) encourages continued physical activity during pregnancy among those already active and highly recommends physical activity among those women performing irregular or no activity of 30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday.

Terry Leet, Ph.D., a study author with Petersen et al, reported in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Journal, said that women who are pregnant should exercise unless advised otherwise by their doctor due to complications observed during their pregnancy. Women should start an exercise program during pregnancy with moderate, non-weight-bearing activities, such as cycling, brisk walking or swimming. Those who exercised prior to pregnancy should avoid activities that may cause abdominal distress such as contact sports and scuba diving, but should continue to exercise.

A majority of women self-reported some physical activity during the second (96.5%) and third (93.9%) trimester of pregnancy according to a study conducted by Borodulin et al. (2008). Of the 1,482 women, 71.6% were white, 17.3% African American and 11.1% other. The level of exercise intensity and volume decreased between the second and third trimester, and physical activity consisted of household indoor-related, recreational activities and care-related responsibilities.

Unfortunately, the recommendations set by ACOG fell on many deaf ears. Women who were pregnant and met the recommended physical activity levels were more likely to be non-smokers, non-Hispanic white, more educated, not married, younger, and have higher incomes. Women smokers and those coming from a lower socioeconomic status were markers for a more passive lifestyle during pregnancy.

Exercise seems to be losing its appeal among the general population. Non-pregnant women who exercised at least three times a week declined to 14% in 2000 from 17% in 1996. Pregnant women who exercised at least three times a week declined from 9% in 1994 to 6% in 2000. Also, women who did not exercise when they were not pregnant were less likely to start exercising regularly when they got pregnant.

According to Dr. Raul Artal of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, obstetricians are hesitant to recommend exercise to pregnant women. He believes that it is rooted in the old-fashioned notions of pregnancy as a time of rest and accouchement.

Physicians, fitness professionals and personal trainers should encourage physical activity during pregnancy with proper education of the health benefits of exercise during and after pregnancy. They should point out that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has adopted the Center for Disease Control exercise guidelines: everyone should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. Moderate regular exercise is beneficial to both the mother and the fetus. It can also improve overall cardiovascular health, well being and decreased risk for gestational diabetes.