There was a time when pregnant women were encouraged
to "take it easy" and "keep their feet up."
Attitudes have changed over the years, however, and regular
physical activity during pregnancy is now considered natural
and normal.
Dr. Larry Wolfe, a Queen's University professor and specialist
in the area, suggests that healthy women with no prior problems
during pregnancy stand to benefit from regular physical activity
while they are pregnant.
In a summary prepared for the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle
Research Institute (a national agency supported by Fitness Canada).
Dr Wolfe listed the benefits. They include increased levels
of energy, improvements in mood and body image, promotion of
appropriate weight gain, prevention of diabetes and back pain,
easier labour and delivery, and faster recovery. Not a bad list!
To experience these benefits, women wishing to be active while
they are pregnant would be wise to:
- Discuss their program with their doctor.
- Avoid increasing their activity level during the first
three months.
- Consider activities where the body is supported. Swimming
and cycling are good examples. These are especially good if
activities like jogging and aerobics are uncomfortable.
- Avoid activities which involve physical contact or danger
of falling.
- Participate at a comfortable level, and take rest breaks.
- Drink liquids before and after each session. Avoid activity
in hot or humid weather.
- Be sensible. Take a day or two off when feeling more tired
than normal.
Active living — finding pleasure in everyday things
— is important during pregnancy and after. Listen to what
one mother of two has to say when she compares her second pregnancy
and delivery when she was active and fit to her first one when
she wasn't:
"I was up and around the same day and home sooner than
the first time. This sold me on the benefits of regular physical
activity. Being fit has improved the quality of my life. I feel
happy and motivated, and I have a positive attitude which reflects
on my whole family."
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