You just found out you are expecting, yay! But, you want to keep doing the physical activity you love and aren’t sure if it’s the best thing for you and your baby. Whether it’s running, CrossFit, or barbell strength training that you love, what should you keep doing?
First off, the female body is absolutely incredible. The changes it undergoes throughout pregnancy affect EVERY system of your body and every person experiences it differently. There isn’t a one size fits all approach to activity during pregnancy. Every woman needs to do what is best for them.
When it comes to what is SAFE to do, this is what the research tells us. ALL women without contraindications should be physically active during pregnancy.
When should you not exercise?
•Unexplained persistent vaginal bleeding
•Ruptured cervix
•Triplet(+)
•Pre-eclampsia
•Placenta previa after 28 weeks
•Uncontrolled gestational diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issue
If you don’t fall into any of these categories, go for it! Why continue to move your body?
•Reduces maternal weight gain
•Reduces risk of gestational diabetes
•Reduces risk of gestational hypertension
•Less likely to need a C-section
•Less likely to have fetal macrosomia
•Reduces risk of postpartum depression
•Potentially reduces length of 1st and 2nd stages of labor
Can you take it too far? Honestly, we don’t know. There is very little research on this. There was one review that looked at women who worked out vigorously during their 3rd trimester compared with women who didn’t. They found no differences in maternal weight gain or fetal birth weight and no adverse events.
Conclusion = for a non-complicated pregnancy it’s safe for you and your baby to move your body!
Here at Peak Endurance Performance & Physical Therapy we help active adults in the Madison Area get back to the activities they love without pain or limitations. We see people of all ages, ability levels, and individuals trying to get back to a multitude of movements including: getting back into running, women postpartum, CrossFit athletes, climbers, gymnasts, wrestlers, overhead athletes, and your recreational weekend warrior. If you’re looking to get back to the activities that give you meaning, relieve stress, and make you feel like you again, feel free to reach out below and we’ll see if we’re the right fit for you.
