New Recommendations for exercise in pregnancy
Our clients often ask us if exercise is safe in pregnancy. The answer is a definite yes!
In fact, new guidelines from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canda specifically prescribe excercise to reduce complications for both mom and baby. Any exercise that feels comfortable to you, including vigorous aerobic activity and strength straining are beneficial.
Over the last 30 years the rates of pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and newborn macrosomia have risen dramatically, along with maternal obesity.
The key recommendations from the guideline include:
All women without contraindication should be physically active throughout pregnancy
Pregnant women should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week to achieve clinically meaningful health benefits and reductions in pregnancy complications
Physical activity should be accumulated over a minimum of 3 days per week; however, being active every day is encouraged
Pregnant women should incorporate a variety of aerobic exercise and resistance training activities to achieve greater benefits. Adding yoga and/or gentle stretching may also be beneficial
Read more of the complete guideline.