Benefits of exercise during pregnancy

Being active is important during all stages of your life, including pregnancy with your doctor’s approval. At Sunnybrook’s latest Speaker Series, Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby, a leading panel of experts discussed mental health, exercise and diabetes in pregnancy.

It’s a good idea to discuss your exercise routine with your doctor when you become pregnant. Generally, it’s recommended that women with low risk pregnancies exercise 3-5 times per week at moderate intensity.  Low-impact activities like swimming, walking or stationary bikes are great options. If your doctor has determined exercise is safe for you, family physician Dr. Karen Fleming says mothers can enjoy many benefits, including:
[list type=”plus”]
[li]fewer physical symptoms[/li]

[li]decreased depression/anxiety[/li]

[li]easier weight management[/li]

[li]prevention and/or control of gestational diabetes[/li]

[li]decreased risk of high blood pressure[/li]

[li]improved cardiovascular fitness which can help during labor[/li]

[li]improved pain tolerance in labor[/li]

[li]reduced interventions[/li]

[/list]

There are many helpful resources for women looking for more information on exercise in pregnancy including Health Canada, Motherisk, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, and PARmed-X for Pregnancy. Remember to choose an activity that is safe, that you enjoy and to have fun!