Physical activity is considered beneficial and safe for pregnant women without contraindications to exercise. Pregnancy is a good time to modify your lifestyle. Moderate physical activity has proven to be beneficial for mother and baby during most pregnancies with necessary modifications.
Pregnancy physiotherapy is very important and could be helpful for expectant mothers when they are about to give birth or during delivery. Prenatal Pilates help the mother during pregnancy and to recover faster during the postpartum period. The pregnancy and postpartum periods are teachable moments where women are motivated to change their habits to improve their health. This unique time provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals, especially physiotherapists to educate women regarding the importance of implementing a healthy lifestyle that also includes exercise.
Physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period among women provides various benefits. It could help in reducing caesarean birth and operative vaginal delivery. It helps in better postpartum recovery and prevents postpartum depression. It also helps in reducing the risks of obesity in pregnancy and prevents gestational weight gain. Pilates also reduces pregnancy complications like gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, foetal macrosomia or low birth weight.
All pregnant and postpartum women should aim at undertaking regular physical activity throughout pregnancy as well as the postpartum period and accumulate a few minutes of moderate physical activity throughout the week to gain health benefits. You could incorporate aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking, cycling, jogging, yoga and so on. Aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities along with gentle stretching can help pregnant women remain fit. In addition to this, women who were, before pregnancy, engaged in an aerobic activity or were physically active, can continue with such activities during pregnancy as well as the postpartum period after consulting their physiotherapist. If the woman is pregnant and postpartum women are not currently following the recommendations, doing some physical activity could be beneficial for health. They should start with all amounts of physical activity and gradually increase frequency and intensity over time. Pelvic floor muscles training might be performed daily to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence. Pregnant and postpartum women should limit the amount of time spent being physically inactive. Replacing sedentary time with physical activity of moderate intensity provides various health benefits.
Additional safety considerations
Additional safety considerations when taking physical activity for pregnant women are:
- Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during and after physical activity
- Avoid participating in activities during excess heat or when there is high humidity
- Avoid taking part in activities that require physical contact or the ones that pose a high risk of falling or might limit oxygenation
- Avoid activities in the supine position after the first trimester of pregnancy as this can lead to heavy cardiac output or even hypertension
- A pregnant woman who considers athletic competition or exercising significantly about the recommended guidelines should look for supervision from a specialist health care provider
- Pregnant women should be informed by their health care provider regarding the danger signs of went to stop or limit the physical activity and to consult a qualified healthcare professional immediately if there are any issues
