ACSM
Recommendations
on Exercise During Pregnancy
By April Durrett
A new ACSM Roundtable Consensus Statement strongly endorses
the health benefits of activity for pregnant women and
their fetuses. The published report is based on findings
from a national panel of scientific and clinical experts
who evaluated numerous published studies.
"Our panel analyzed the most current research,
which clearly suggests long-term benefits from physical
activity for both the mother and her baby. For these
reasons, and what we suspect are more, it's important
all women having a normal pregnancy be active,"
said James Pivarnik, PhD, FACSM, lead author of the
consensus document and roundtable chair.
It is the consensus of the expert panel that exercise
during pregnancy and the postpartum period:
Reduces Risk of Preeclampsia
This condition is marked by high blood pressure, proteinuria
(protein in urine) and edema in the mother, which makes
her more likely to experience metabolic disturbances
during this time similar to those with coronary heart
disease and chronic hypertension.
Treats or Prevents Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes during pregnancy,
related to a shift in hormones causing insulin resistance
and high blood glucose. Exercise is considered an adjunctive
therapy for this condition.
Helps Manage or Alleviate Pregnancy-Related
Musculoskeletal Issues
Exercise and previous physical fitness can help manage
low-back pain, pregnancy-related urinary incontinence,
abdominal muscle disturbances and joint and muscle injuries.
Links Breastfeeding and Postpartum Weight Loss
Weight loss can occur through moderate exercise and
calorie restriction without negatively affecting breast
milk production and infant growth.
Positively Impacts Mood and Mental Health
Many women experience negative mood symptoms during
pregnancy and the postpartum period. Exercise has been
shown to improve mood, increase vigor, reduce fatigue,
stress and anxiety, decrease symptoms of negative mood
and depression, and improve self-concept.
For more information, see www.acsm.org.
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