Physical Activity & Pregnancy
In terms of physical activity, there are absolute and relative contraindications to be aware of when it comes to pregnancy.
Some of the absolute contraindications include:
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Uncontrolled type 1 diabetes
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Pre-eclampsia
Some of the relative contraindications include:
- Gestational hypertension
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
It is always a good idea to have frequent communication with your family doctor or obstetrician.
Here is a brief outline of the recommendations and some additional research. If you want to read more in detail, check out the link below and as always if you have any questions shoot us a message!
- Physical activity was associated with reduced gestational weight gain and risk of diabetes mellitus in pregnant women who were obese and overweight
- High to moderate evidence showed that gestational hypertension is no different between those who exercise vs those who had standard pregnancy care.
- Among pregnant women who were overweight or obese, there was low to moderate evidence that showed no increase risk in low birth weight, small for their age category or large for their age category among those who were physically active and those who had standard pregnancy care
- Moderate evidence showed a small reduced risk of pre-term birth in mothers who completed vigorous physical activity
- Pregnant women who were obese or overweight had no significant difference in the risk of pre-term birth between those who were physically active and those who had standard pregnancy care
- Evidence supports regular strength training to be included for pregnant and postpartum women
- The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology outlines that pregnant women should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week in order to reduce pregnancy complications and have health benefits
- Physical activity should be completed at minimum 3 days of the week
- Pregnant women should incorporate a variety of aerobic resistance training (yoga, gentle stretching, walking, swimming and water aerobics, indoor cycling, dancing, running or jogging)
- Pelvic floor muscle training may help in reducing risk of urinary incontinence
Major Takeaways:
All women without contraindications should be physically active; the advantages and disadvantages of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity should be discussed with your health care provider. Physical activity may reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and have great health benefits.
As always, this is an educational post only. Pls visit your healthcare provider.
References:
Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, et al
World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
British Journal of Sports Medicine 2020; 54:1451-1462.
2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy. (2019). Retrieved 16 December 2020, from https://csepguidelines.ca/guidelines-for-pregnancy/