Review study shows that pre-natal strength training is good for mother and child.
Aerobic exercise during pregnancy is often recommended, while strength training benefits are overlooked. A new review study finds that appropriate resistance training during the pre-natal period may help an expectant mother with fatigue, back pain, mental health, and glucose control, while also increasing uterine blood flow to the fetus and improving the odds for a vaginal birth. Researchers note that pregnant women should avoid resistance exercises that:
- involve extended time in a supine position;
- risk abdominal trauma;
- include ballistic movements;
- rely heavily on balance; or
- prevent appropriate temperature control.
If these risks are managed, resistance training benefits both the mother and fetus and does not endanger fetal health and development. Study authors recommend resistance training for pregnant women.
The review is available in the International Journal of Women’s Health.
References
2024; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38912201/.
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
