We agree with recommendations of major medical societies that women with uncomplicated pregnancies should be encouraged to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle before, during, and after pregnancy.
Exercise during pregnancy has minimal risks and demonstrated benefits for most pregnant women, including maintenance or improvement of physical fitness, control of gestational weight gain, reduction in low back pain, and possibly a reduction in risk of developing gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Moderate exercise is not a direct cause of any adverse pregnancy outcome; however, pregnant women may be at greater risk of injuries to joints, falling, and significant abdominal trauma during certain types of exercise. Abdominal trauma can result in placental abruption, which can lead to fetal death or morbidity.
Prior to participation in an exercise program, pregnant women should be evaluated for medical and obstetric contraindications to exercise.
Some sports should be avoided in pregnancy . Contact sports and physical activities in which the risk of falls/trauma is high are a concern in
pregnancy because of the risk of fetal harm from maternal trauma. SCUBA diving should also be avoided because of the potential for fetal harm.
Maintenance of euhydration is particularly critical to heat balance during prolonged exercise and exercise in hot, humid weather; hyperthermia in very early pregnancy may increase the risk for neural tube defects. The caloric costs of exercise should be estimated and balanced by appropriate caloric intake and awareness of hypoglycemia symptoms.
The intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise depend on patient- specific factors. For most healthy pregnant women, the following exercise prescription is reasonable: moderate-intensity exercise (able to carry on a normal conversation during exercise) that includes aerobic exercise and strength training, performed for 30 minutes daily, five to seven days per
week.
Previously sedentary women should begin with 10 to 20 minutes of continuous low-intensity exercise three times per week, increasing the
intensity, frequency, and duration gradually.