Myths of Exercise and Pregnancy

Until just a few generations ago, women were confined to the house during pregnancy. It was believed that an active pregnant woman would divert blood away from her growing fetus and toward her exercising muscles, resulting in a smaller baby. As society evolved and women began to take a more active role in the community, confinement became impractical. Moreover, the first studies on the subject in 1970, demonstrated that moderate exercise was not only safe, but beneficial, in a normal, healthy pregnancy. Hundreds of more recent studies have supported that conclusion.

Although we've learned a lot in recent years about exercise and pregnancy, there remain some persistent myths. It's not surprising. Often, when women ask what they can do to stay fit during pregnancy, the answers they get are inconsistent, at best, and contradictory, at worst. This is a shame, because a well-structured exercise program can make pregnancy healthier and easier. Women who exercise at a mild to moderate intensity, at least three times per week, will experience an improvement in their well- being, reduced constipation, fewer leg cramps and a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight when compared to their non-exercising counterparts (ACOG, 2002; Clapp, 2002). There are benefits for baby too. So, let's set the record straight and address a few of those nagging doubts about exercising during pregnancy.

Does exercise during pregnancy increase your risk of miscarriage? No. This has not been demonstrated in any research. There is a slightly elevated risk of miscarriage if you overheat during the first trimester, but this is true whether you exercise or not. Therefore, it is very important not to overheat during your exercise sessions.

- By Karen Nordahl, MD and Author of Fit to Deliver: an innovative prenatal and postpartum fitness program