Exercise During Pregnancy is Not Only a Good Idea, But
Can Help Prevent Too-High Birth Weight, Study Says
photo by Vivian Chen
Norwegian researchers published a study in the October 2009 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, claiming that regular exercise throughout pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of too large babies, known medically as fetal macrosomia — when a baby weighs more than 8.8 pounds at the time of birth.
What are the Dangers of Fetal Macrosomia?
Having too high a birth weight can lead to a number of complications and risk to both mother and baby. These can include such things as delivery problems requiring C-sections, postpartum hemorrhaging, and low Apgar scores (a test that scores activity, pulse, grimace, appearance, and respiration on a scale of 0-2, where a total score of less than 7 may indicate they need additional medical attention.)
How Much Exercise Should Pregnant Women Have?
This Norwegian study suggests that, out of a studied group of nearly 37,000 women, those women who exercised at least three times a week during the entire course of their first pregnancy had a 28 percent reduced risk of their baby being born too large. In subsequent pregnancies, the results were slightly less clear-cut, but those participating in dance or low-impact aerobics, they still showed a significant reduction in the rates of high birth weights.
What Exercise Should Pregnant Women Do?
Some of the best exercises for expectant mothers are low-impact aerobics, and are safe and beneficial throughout pregnancy for more than just preventing excessive newborn weight. They should be sure, however, not to do those exercises where one lays flat on the back, as this can restrict blood flow to both mother and baby. Similarly, the exercise should not be so intense as to consistently raise the heart rate above 120, as that may redirect too much blood from the baby.
For more information on exercise during pregnancy, be sure to read Basic Exercise During Pregnancy
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