Guidelines for Exercise in Pregnancy
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
In 2002 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued new guidelines for exercise in pregnancy. What do the new guidelines mean to you?
Exercise most or all days of the week
The guidelines suggest that in non-complicated pregnancies, women should continue with the general health recommendations of getting an accumulation of 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day for most or all days of the week. This allows the pregnant woman to continue to benefit from healthy levels of activity.
Participation in most activities is safe
ACOG recommends that women evaluate the risk of injury by contact or falling of any sport they would like to participate in. Most activities are safe, but those that pose a risk of abdominal trauma should be avoided. Similarly, scuba diving should be avoided not because of risk for injury, but because the baby's immature circulatory system makes him more susceptible to decompression sickness.
Athletes can remain active
Although there is inadequate research on strenuous exercise, athletes who continue to train at a moderate level during an uncomplicated pregnancy are considered safe.
Exercise is safe while breastfeeding
Non-strenuous exercise during the postpartum period has been shown to reduce postpartum depression. Because it is known that weight loss at a moderate pace does not reduce the milk supply, it is safe to resume exercise during the months of breastfeeding.
References:
ACOG Committee. Opinion no. 267: exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Obstet Gynecol 2002;99:171-3.
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