A recent report suggests that physicians should recommend low to moderate levels of exercise to their pregnant patients, even if they have not exercised prior to pregnancy. Exercise can strengthen and improve overall musculoskeletal and physiologic health as well as pregnancy related symptoms. Pregnant women’s weight distribution is altered as the baby grows; therefore the muscles must work harder to support a normal gait pattern. Exercising during pregnancy will help keep the muscles conditioned to handle the increasing weight throughout pregnancy. Additionally, both impact and nonimpact exercise can ease back and other musculoskeletal pain; lower maternal blood pressure; reduce swelling; improve post-partum mood; and reduce the risk of gallstones and preterm birth.
The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published findings in 2002 suggesting that women who exercise throughout pregnancy have larger placentas. The volume of the placenta is an indicator of its ability to transport oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Exercise may help to create a large and healthy placenta which can lead to a healthier baby. Studies also found that pregnant women who exercised three to four times a week had the best chance of having a healthy weight baby. Exercising more than four times a week, or less than three, appeared to be linked to lower birth weight.
Many pregnant women choose low or no impact exercises during pregnancy such as yoga or swimming as these are much easier on the joints during a time in which the body is carrying excess weight. While pregnant women must avoid certain yoga postures when pregnant, such as any poses that put too much pressure on the uterus, including certain twists and floor poses, yoga can help expectant mothers with back pain, hip soreness and leg cramps often associated with pregnancy. Additionally, yoga can help to create space for the baby within the pelvis and abdomen regions, reduce stress for the expectant mother, and help aid in better sleep.
Sources
http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/chicago/yoga.htmezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Yoga-For-Pregnant-Women&id=2739706
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yoga/CM00004/NSECTIONGROUP=2
articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/08/25/Exercise-is-Healthy-for-Mother-and-Child-During-Pregnancy.aspx
