Pregnant women are encouraged to exercise
PREGNANT women should carry out around 150 minutes of “moderate intensity” exercise every week to reduce their risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and other health concerns, top doctors claim.
The UK’s Chief Medical Officers have jointly released new advice on physical activity for expectant mothers – believed to be the first of its kind in the world.
They claim there is “strong evidence” that shows that regular, moderate exercise during pregnancy can offer women significant benefits.
Moderate intensity activity is described as “activity that makes you breathe faster” while still being able to hold a conversation.
But they say pregnant women should avoid activities where there is an increased risk of falling, trauma or high impact injuries.
These include contact sports such as football, rugby and boxing, as well as skiing, horse riding and gymnastics.
This new advice is being issued in the form of an infographic, aimed at providing midwives, nurses, GPs, obstetricians, gynaecologists, as well as the leisure sector, with the latest evidence on physical activity during pregnancy.
Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, said this levels of exercise can reduce high blood pressure problems, help to control weight gain, improve sleep, reduce the risk of diabetes, and improve mood.
“That’s why we want to ensure pregnant women, and the health professionals who support them, are aware of the benefits of physical activity throughout pregnancy,” he said.
“Pregnant women who are not currently active, should build up their activity levels slowly, while women who already take part in regular exercise should stay active but listen to their body and adapt their exercise regime if necessary.
“A general rule for all pregnant women is, if it feels pleasant, keep going; if it is uncomfortable, then stop and seek advice.”
Women who have not been active before pregnancy are recommended to follow a gradual progression of exercise, beginning with 10-minute bouts of moderate intensity exercise, gradually building up to 150 minutes.
The activity should be spread throughout the week, and it is important to remember that “every activity counts”.
The new advice was constructed by the Chief Medical Officer Expert Committee for Physical Activity and Pregnancy, which included midwives, obstetricians, exercise physiologist, GPs, public health consultants, sports medicine, exercise professionals, nursing and research scientists.
The report concludes: “If you experience breathlessness before or following minimal exertion, headaches, dizziness, chest pain, muscle weakness affecting balance and calf pain or swelling, seek medical advice.
“Women may also be advised to reduce or stop physical activity following pregnancy complications such as vaginal bleeding, regular painful contractions or amniotic fluid leakage.”