If you're pregnant, be sure you stay fit

10 April 2012

I feel for pregnant women who have the super-fit, slimline, two-weeks-post-pregnancy bodies of the latest celebrity mums rubbed in their faces. And what is always left out of the yummy mummy articles is the fact that they give birth surrounded by dieticians, nurses and fitness experts, making them unrealistic role models upon which to base your postpartum weight loss goals.

However, in the true spirit of preventative medicine, what you do during pregnancy can make the after-care much easier.

Being pregnant doesn't necessarily mean getting overweight, and research has shown that exercise can reduce the chances of your child becoming obese in later life. The study, conducted in New Zealand, found infants born to mothers who exercised were on average 143 grams lighter than those of inactive mums. Those lighter babies were no shorter in length and there was no evidence that they lacked nutrition. Given that large birth size is associated with an increased risk of obesity, a modest reduction in birth weight may have long-term health benefits for offspring by lowering this risk in later life.

Exercising on a regular basis during pregnancy is safe and beneficial. Providing your pregnancy is normal, you can continue it throughout the nine months. But you shouldn't exercise to lose weight while you are pregnant but to maintain or improve your fitness. Just remember that it is important not to overdo it, one sign of which is excessive shortness of breath. Use the talk test: if you are exercising at the right pace, you should be able to carry on a normal conversation.

Pregnancy does cause physiological changes. The hormones produced during pregnancy can cause the ligaments that support your joints to become relaxed, making them more mobile and so more at risk of injury. Your balance can also be affected due to the extra weight you are carrying, which will shift your centre of gravity and place stress on joints and muscles, especially those in the pelvis and lower back. You will also sweat more than usual so drink plenty of water before, during and after. I would only avoid exercise if you have any risk factors for pre-term labour, vaginal bleeding or premature rupture of membrane.

Wear a strong bra while exercising. During and after pregnancy your breasts will be larger than usual. The supporting structures may be relaxed and may lead to injury if not properly supported.

Follow me on Twitter @DoctorChristian

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