Exercise During Pregnancy & Risks

While participating in moderate exercise during pregnancy can benefit both mom and baby, there are precautions to be taken in order to avoid potential dangerous risks.

Function

Regular exercise during pregnancy can help to maintain muscle tone and flexibility, build endurance that can ease labor and increase the speed of delivery. It can also lower fetal blood pressure.

Misconceptions

A popular misconception regarding prenatal exercise is that it can increase the chances or is a direct cause of miscarriage.

Considerations

Throughout pregnancy, the ligaments and joints stretch and loosen in preparation for delivery, which can result in an increased range of motion that can lead to injury during exercise.

Types

Exercises to be avoided during pregnancy are contact sports and activities that involve balance, such as riding a bike and skiing, which can increase the chances of falling and abdominal trauma.

Warning

Pregnant women should never exercise to the point of exhaustion to avoid restricting oxygen to the fetus. They also should not exercise in extremely hot weather because of the risk of overheating.

References

• American Pregnancy Association