Exercise During Pregnancy?

What is the latest knowledge on exercise during pregnancy? As experts on movement, alignment, and physiology, physical therapists are in a unique position to be allies to their pregnant patrons in this transitional time in their lives.

Should you exercise during pregnancy? YES!

A Systematic Review by Ying et al (authors take multiple controlled studies to determine an overall trend) found that 20-30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on all or most days of the week could reduce the risk of gestational diabetes!

Another study by Perales et al showed that regular exercise throughout pregnancy reduced the first stage of labor [Average of 399.1 minutes (exercise) vs. 537.4 minutes (no exercise)].

Though regular exercise only affected the 1st stage of labor, a study by Jahdi et al found that a regular yoga practice could reduce the amount of time spent in the 2nd and 3rd stages of labor!

Finally, a study by Chen et al noted that two 70 minute prenatal yoga classes/week could help to reduce stress and enhance immune function.

That being said, there are some reasons you may need to avoid exercising during pregnancy.

DO NOT exercise if you have been diagnosed with any of the following:

·       Hemodynamically significant heart disease

·       Restrictive lung disease

·       Incompetent cervix or cerclage

·       Multiple gestations at risk of premature labor

·       Persistent second or third trimester bleeding

·       Placenta previa after 26 weeks gestation

·       Premature labor during the current pregnancy

·       Ruptured membranes

·       Preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension

·       Severe anemia

Always ask your doctor about exercise.

TAKE HOME MESSAGES:

1. It is safe to exercise during pregnancy unless you have one of the diagnoses listed above, but it is always best to check with your primary care physician or certified nurse midwife.

2. 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise a few days a week, and 2-3 prenatal yoga classes/week seems like a great way to go!

3. Always listen closely to your body. You will know what is right for you better than any doctor, any yoga teacher, any physical therapist, and any blog.

Happy moving!

References

Barakat, R., Perales, M., Bacchi, M., Coteron, J., & Refoyo, I. (2014). A Program of Exercise Throughout Pregnancy. Is It Safe to Mother and Newborn? American Journal of Health Promotion, 29(1), 2-8. doi:10.4278/ajhp.130131-quan-56

Chen P-J, Yang L, Chou C-C, Li C-C, Chang Y-C, Liaw J-J. Effects of prenatal yoga on women’s stress and immune function across pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2017;31:109-117. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2017.03.003.

Jahdi F, Sheikhan F, Haghani H, et al. Yoga during pregnancy: The effects on labor pain and delivery outcomes (A randomized controlled trial). Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017;27:1-4. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.12.002.

Perales, M., Calabria, I., Lopez, C., Franco, E., Coteron, J., & Barakat, R. (2016). Regular Exercise Throughout Pregnancy Is Associated With a Shorter First Stage of Labor. American Journal of Health Promotion, 30(3), 149-154. doi:10.4278/ajhp.140221-quan-79

Ying Yu, Rongrong Xie & Cainuo Shen (2017): Effect of exercise during pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis, The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1319929