A review article has said that doctors should recommend low to moderate levels of exercise to pregnant women because it can strengthen and improve overall musculoskeletal and physiologic health as well as pregnancy related symptoms.
Published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS), the report suggests that exercise-such as aerobics, impact and nonimpact activities, resistance training, and swimming-eases back and other musculoskeletal pain, lowers maternal blood pressure, reduces swelling, and improves post-partum mood.
Pregnancy - Exercises and Massages
Pregnancy is a significant period in a woman's life, marking her momentous journey into motherhood. During the dynamic 9 months of her pregnancy, immense changes take place in her mind and body, as the fetus takes shape into a full-grown baby.
Advertisement
According to author Capt. Marlene DeMaio, M.D., M.C ., U.S.N., Research Director, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, the study indicates that the pregnant woman's body can compensate for the changes with no harm to the foetus during low to moderate intensity exercise.
"It is important to remember that pregnancy is a temporary condition, not a disease, and that the musculoskeletal and physiologic changes that happen are normal in the majority of patients," she said.
![Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation]( "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation")
During pregnancy & lactation a nutritious diet, suitable exercise, adequate rest and a tranquil mind help both the mother and fetus and drugs should be avoided.
DeMaio, who collaborated with Capt. Everett Magann, M.D., M.C. U.S.N., Chairman in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, also at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, also believes that starting an exercise program when pregnant, is a perfect way to begin - and stick with - a fitness program.
"When a woman becomes pregnant, she often re-evaluates her lifestyle. She is motivated in a new way to deliver a healthy baby, and be healthy herself," said Dr. DeMaio.
The researchers say that doctors may recommend that before giving birth, patients should begin or continue low to moderate exercise so as to maintain fitness and adapt exercise as needed as pregnancy progresses.
They further say that after giving birth, women should continue exercising at low to moderate levels because lactation is not negatively affected by exercise, and there are fewer reports of mothers having post-partum depression or mood changes when they are exercising.
According to Dr. DeMaio, exercise is even more important if the patient is older, as the risk for high blood pressure and increased glucose goes up the older a patient is, and exercise can help reduce these levels.
The researchers also say that physicians should discuss pregnancy as an opportunity to improve overall health, and suggest the patient start exercise for life-long health and as an example to the child when the child is older.
They say that even if a woman is under treatment for infertility, she can exercise under the supervision of her obstetrician.
If a pregnant woman is an athlete-wants more strenuous exercise, or who wants to increase training from moderate to high intensity-a qualified doctor should direct her exercise program.
Source: ANI
RAS
Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation
During pregnancy & lactation a nutritious diet, suitable exercise, adequate rest and a tranquil mind help both the mother and fetus and drugs should be avoided.
Advertisement
DeMaio, who collaborated with Capt. Everett Magann, M.D., M.C. U.S.N., Chairman in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, also at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, also believes that starting an exercise program when pregnant, is a perfect way to begin - and stick with - a fitness program.
"When a woman becomes pregnant, she often re-evaluates her lifestyle. She is motivated in a new way to deliver a healthy baby, and be healthy herself," said Dr. DeMaio.
The researchers say that doctors may recommend that before giving birth, patients should begin or continue low to moderate exercise so as to maintain fitness and adapt exercise as needed as pregnancy progresses.
They further say that after giving birth, women should continue exercising at low to moderate levels because lactation is not negatively affected by exercise, and there are fewer reports of mothers having post-partum depression or mood changes when they are exercising.
According to Dr. DeMaio, exercise is even more important if the patient is older, as the risk for high blood pressure and increased glucose goes up the older a patient is, and exercise can help reduce these levels.
The researchers also say that physicians should discuss pregnancy as an opportunity to improve overall health, and suggest the patient start exercise for life-long health and as an example to the child when the child is older.
They say that even if a woman is under treatment for infertility, she can exercise under the supervision of her obstetrician.
If a pregnant woman is an athlete-wants more strenuous exercise, or who wants to increase training from moderate to high intensity-a qualified doctor should direct her exercise program.
Source: ANI
RAS
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Women Health News
The Army Hospital (R and R) Delhi Cantt hosted 'Mahawari Mein Swachchta,' a menstrual health awareness program.
Cannabis is marketed to women for managing menopause symptoms, and this shows midlife women are using it for menopause and related issues.
A higher risk of preterm birth was found to be associated with inadequate sleep and lower physical activity during pregnancy.
During the 7 pill-free days in contraception, women experience anxiety and mental issues similar to menstrual mood swings.
In the new study, it remains uncertain if the increased expression of the IGF1 gene in PCOS plays a role in elevating the risk of endometrial cancer.
