Exercise And Pregnancy Acsm

This copy and share column discusses postpartum exercise.

Exercise and pregnancy acsm. Healthy pregnancy regular engagement in moderate intensity physical activity for at least 20 to 30 min d 1 on most or all days of the week has been recommended during pregnancy and postpartum period by the american college of obstetri cians and gynecologists acog in 2015 1 and reaffirmed in 2017 2. During pregnancy exercise can provide a number of pregnancy specific health. Workout tips from a fitness. Pregnancy results in anatomic and physiologic changes that should be considered when prescribing exercise.

Acsm s guidelines for exercise testing prescription. Abstract in 2002 the american college of obstetricians and gynecologists published exercise guidelines for pregnancy which suggested that in the absence of medical or obstetric complications 30. After delivery many women have difficulty returning to their prepregnancy weight with an average weight retention of 0 5 to 3 8 kg 1 1 to 8 4. Overall pre pregnancy and pregnancy exercise significantly reduced odds of gdm two observational studies have noted significant reduction in gdm risk with any vs.

Pregnancy and exercise guidelines exercise benefits during pregnancy. In the absence of medical contraindications or obstetric complications. Contraindications for exercising during pregnancy relative severe anemia unevaluated maternal cardiac dysrythmia chronic bronchitis poorly controlled type 1 diabetes. Over the first 4 6 weeks of an exercise program it is recommended to increase exercise duration by how much every 1 2 weeks.

Pregnant women can carry out both weight bearing and non weight bearing exercise providing they are comfortable and avoid exercise that causes strain ie heavy weightlifting requires risky balance in the second and third trimesters bike riding or extremes of air pressure scuba diving mountain climbing. During the past 25 years numerous research studies have demonstrated significant benefits associated with physical activity during and after pregnancy for both mother and baby. None exercise in pre pregnancy or early pregnancy one observational study showed significant reduction in risk of gdm with any vigorous exercise before pregnancy. The important thing is to be active and get your blood flowing.

Exercising for 30 minutes on most or all days can benefit your health during pregnancy. The most distinct changes during pregnancy are weight gain and a shift in the point of gravity that results in progressive lordosis. Exercising for just 20 minutes 3 or 4 days a week is still beneficial as well. These changes lead to an increase in the forces across joints and the spine during weight bearing exercise.