Exercise During Pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy is generally safe and healthy. But, warns Vern Katz, MD, exercise should never be used for weight control during pregnancy. Dr. Katz, a perinatologist with the Center for Genetics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Eugene, notes that weight gain of 25 to 40 pounds is normal during pregnancy.
According to Dr. Katz, aerobic exercise to maintain or improve fitness is great for pregnant women. He notes that because it may be difficult for full-term moms-to-be to run, jog or do aerobics comfortably, water aerobics can be a fine substitute. "Water aerobics provides a good, comfortable workout, while supporting the woman’s weight and helping with swelling. It’s also a great social activity," he explains.
Dr. Katz cautions pregnant women to avoid contact sports, skiing and scuba diving. While living or traveling in mountainous regions is fine, skiing and other exercise at high elevations during pregnancy lowers oxygen intake and may compromise the fetus. Scuba diving during pregnancy is associated with birth defects because of changes in absorbed gases.
Consult a midwife or physician regarding an appropriate time to resume exercise after delivery; usually new moms can return to exercise within a few days. "Postpartum exercise is appropriate for weight control, has no effect on breastfeeding, and may even decrease the risk of postpartum depression," says Dr. Katz.
According to Dr. Katz, aerobic exercise to maintain or improve fitness is great for pregnant women. He notes that because it may be difficult for full-term moms-to-be to run, jog or do aerobics comfortably, water aerobics can be a fine substitute. "Water aerobics provides a good, comfortable workout, while supporting the woman’s weight and helping with swelling. It’s also a great social activity," he explains.
Dr. Katz cautions pregnant women to avoid contact sports, skiing and scuba diving. While living or traveling in mountainous regions is fine, skiing and other exercise at high elevations during pregnancy lowers oxygen intake and may compromise the fetus. Scuba diving during pregnancy is associated with birth defects because of changes in absorbed gases.
Consult a midwife or physician regarding an appropriate time to resume exercise after delivery; usually new moms can return to exercise within a few days. "Postpartum exercise is appropriate for weight control, has no effect on breastfeeding, and may even decrease the risk of postpartum depression," says Dr. Katz.
