A recent study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has found that exercise during pregnancy is good for both the mother and the baby. In years past women have worried that exercise puts their baby at risk, but this study found that regular exercise actually has a positive effect on the fetus.<\/p>\n
The researchers monitored fetal heart rate and blood flow through the umbilical cord in pregnant women who performed about 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per day, pregnant women who exercised regularly but not vigorously, and pregnant women who did not exercise. The results showed that the babies of women who exercised vigorously had the lowest resting heart rates, a strong indicator of heart health.\u00a0 Researchers noted that the study looked only at women who had pregnancies free from complications.<\/p>\n
If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor to find out what type of exercise routine is appropriate for your pregnancy. In general, women who were regular exercisers before their pregnancy can endure more strenuous exercises while pregnant, but it’s recommended that all women reduce the level of intensity of their workouts during their pregnancy.Women who play sports can sometimes continue playing their sport of choice throughout the first trimester, but are usually recommended to stop playing at a certain point when the risks associated with falling or being accidentally struck in the stomach, for example. become too severe. Speak to your doctor for specific recommendations.<\/p>\n
Many pregnant women who exercise regularly experience less back pain, lower stress, and less fatigue than pregnant women who do not exercise. Medical experts say that the best exercises to perform during pregnancy are low-impact aerobic exercises that will get the heart pumping without putting the mother or the baby at a great risk of injury. Walking, light jogging, prenatal yoga classes, and other aerobic activities are all great for improving the health of the baby and the mother.<\/p>\n