A new ACSM Roundtable Consensus Statement strongly 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.
"Our panel analyzed the most current research, which clearly suggests long-term benefits from physical activity for both mother and her baby. For these reasons and what we suspect are more, it's important all women having a normal pregnancy be active," said James Pivamik, PHD, FACSM, lead author of the concensus document and roundtable chair.
It is the concensus 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 simular 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 Eleviate Pregnancy-Related Musculosketetal 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.
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