Exercise During Pregnancy

It is of utmost importance that all people should maintain or increase their current level of physical activity. The same goes for pregnant women. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) states that although there is no reason pregnant women should limit their exercise, they should still avoid exhaustion. However, the ACOG does encourage pregnant women to engage in regular to moderate intensity physical activity to continue to obtain health benefits during their pregnancy as they did before.

With few exceptions, women do not need to change what they are doing just because they are pregnant. Physicians used to think that exercise would result in high core body temperature that could damage the embryo or developing fetus. Thanks to current medical science, we now know this to be untrue and pregnant women can actually moderate their core temperature better than women who are not pregnant. There was also a myth that exercise could cause premature birth, but this too has been disproven. There is no reason to suggest exercise can lead to fetal distress, premature delivery, or low birth weight as was once thought.

Here at AATB, we offer Pilates that can suit your needs for regular to moderate exercise. Pilates can provide a low-impact pregnancy workout that can improve flexibility and balance while preventing back pain. It will strengthen your pelvic floor and core muscles to better support your spine.

Although it is safe to exercise during pregnancy, it is still important to know the facts. Women with unstable heart and lung disease, women at risk for preterm labor, or women with bleeding after the four months of pregnancy should not exercise. Women who do exercise should continue to use extreme caution, must listen to their bodies, and always consult a physician.