So you’re pregnant? Keep up the exercise … but choose it with care…

[23 August 2010 - 14h02]

Not all forms of exercise are equally suitable for mums-to-be. You need to choose one in which there is no risk of rough movement or, of course, impact. Forms of endurance exercise, where effort is extended and graduated, are best. Walking, for example. All women, even the least sporty, can continue to go walking throughout their pregnancy. Swimming is also recommended as it increases heart capacity without impacting on the joints.

Cycling is also a very good form of exercise during the first 6 months of pregnancy. To avoid falls, it’s better to use an indoor exercise bike. Aquagym is another form of exercise that can be continued right up to term. But whichever you choose, it’s essential to make sure that you always warm up first.

Exercise will, of course, do you good … but it also brings other benefits. For example, women who exercise find giving birth easier: they have a shorter labour time, improved dilation of the cervix and a faster expulsion time. You will also find it easier to control your weight gain during pregnancy. And last but not least, exercise has also been shown to help prevent stretch marks and reduce the level of venous complications.

So exercise during pregnancy is highly recommended. But be sure to pace yourself properly. Rest is important too. For example, if you walk for an hour, when you get back relax for the same amount of time. And, most important of all, before embarking on any form of exercise, seek advice from your obstetrician or midwife.

It comes as no surprise that certain activities, such as scuba diving and parachuting, are strictly forbidden, but there are others which, although they may seem accessible enough, are nevertheless inadvisable. This is true of combat sports, horse riding and tennis – mainly because of the risk of trauma, even minor trauma such as a sprain.

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