Should a healthy pregnant woman engage in exercise? How often? What are the benefits? Will exercise harm the baby? These are a few of the many questions that arise when discussing prenatal exercise.

Until recently, exercise during pregnancy was somewhat controversial. Physicians and fitness professionals preferred to take the “better safe than sorry” approach. In the last few years, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and fitness organizations, such as the Academy of Sports Medicine (ACSM), have endorsed the benefits of prenatal exercise. ACOG now recommends that women with non-complicated pregnancies should try to exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes on most, if not all, days.

You have probably heard the saying that pregnancy is like training for a marathon. I like to think of pregnancy as training for a triathlon. In a woman’s first pregnancy, labor usually lasts 12 to 18 hours on average. It is the most intense physical experience the majority of women will ever have. The act of birth relies on strength, endurance and flexibility. The more prepared you are physically, the more confident you will feel in your ability to manage the birth process and the easier labor will be. 

I have always been passionate about fitness, nutrition and human physiology. It wasn’t until I became pregnant with my first child that I realized how fascinating the birth process was and the amazing transformation a woman goes through. It was through my own experiences that I learned exercise is not only beneficial, but  is considered vital to a healthy pregnancy!

I look forward to discussing prenatal fitness and nutrition in future blog posts. Until next time!