Women who exercise throughout pregnancy tend to stay healthier for decades. Exercise plays an important role in promoting health and well being for pregnant women. Women who exercise during pregnancy have reduced weight gain, more rapid weight loss after pregnancy and improved sleep patterns. They also have faster labours and less need for induced labour. Regular exercise also leads to reduced need for painkillers to ease delivery and fewer operative births. To investigate whether or not exercise during pregnancy has long-term effects on the cardiovascular and overall health of women, researchers from America identified 39 pregnant women. Prior to becoming pregnant, the participants reported indulging in exercises such as running, cross-country skiing, and aerobics several times a week. Of these, 20 women continued exercise throughout pregnancy and 19 women stopped or reduced their exercise volume by at least 75 percent before the 12th week of pregnancy. It was found that compared to women who had decreased exercise during pregnancy, those who continued with it while pregnant gained less weight over time and tended to have a higher self-assessed body image. Further, those who exercised through out pregnancy also had a lower resting heart rate and lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol. The researchers noted that continuing a vigorous weight-bearing exercise programme during pregnancy helps women lower the cardiovascular risk profile when they approach menopause.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
November 2008