Why You Should Keep - or Start - Exercising During Pregnancy

Regular physical activity in all phases of life has many health benefits, and pregnancy presents a great opportunity to continue or begin a new exercise program.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology published a Committee Opinion in December 2015 stating that physical activity in pregnancy has minimal risks and has been shown to benefit most women.

As with any exercise program, a thorough clinical evaluation needs to be performed before recommending or continuing exercise in pregnancy. Women with uncomplicated pregnancies should be encouraged to exercise before, during and after pregnancy.

Some of the health benefits of exercise during pregnancy include reduced risk of having a cesarean section or some complications of pregnancy such as diabetes of pregnancy and preeclampsia. Other benefits include improved psychological well-being, ability to better manage weight and improvement with symptoms such as low back pain.

What's Safe, What's Not

There are, however, certain medical conditions where women should avoid strenuous exercise during pregnancy. These include but are not limited to significant heart or lung disease, incompetent or weak cervix, twins, vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, premature labor, ruptured membranes, pregnancy induced hypertension and severe anemia.

Exercises that are safe during pregnancy include walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates, running, racquet sports and strength training. All pregnant women should avoid any contact sports, activities with high risk of falling, scuba diving or sky diving.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a strong interest in pregnant athletes. In the 2012 London Olympics, there were several pregnant athletes, including gold medalist in beach volleyball Kerri Walsh. In September 2015, the IOC held a consensus meeting with pregnancy and exercise specialists from all over the world to discuss exercise in pregnancy and the post-partum period in elite sports, particularly for high level athletes. Their recommendations are due to be released in the spring of 2016.

Running a Marathon During Pregnancy

Running a marathon during pregnancy is somewhat controversial. However if you are a highly conditioned athlete running long distances, it  may be OK for you. There are several guidelines to follow for endurance athletes to make your program safe for you and your baby.

Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout. Many studies have shown that conditioned athletes' core body temperature does not rise significantly if they take precautions. These include good hydration, appropriate clothing to wick sweat to keep cool and avoiding exercise during very hot or humid times of the day.

Calorie requirements during pregnancy change and usually require 200 to 300 additional calories per day. If you exercise, you may require more calories. These should be divided into five or six small meals per day.

A hormone produced during pregnancy called relaxin can soften ligaments and joints, making you more prone to injury. It is very important to warm up and cool down when exercising.

Steven Galun, MD, is an obstetrician-gynecologist at University Hospitals.

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University Hospitals has OB-GYNs, certified nurse midwives and nurse practitioners who can help you make the right exercise choices, whether you are a novice or highly competitive athlete. UH has northern Ohio’s largest network of primary care and OB/GYN providers, so finding a health care partner who meets your unique needs and preferences is easier than ever. Find a women's specialist close to you.