Exercise During Pregnancy May Build Your Baby's Brain
You know exercise is important for your health, but doing so while pregnant may offer unique benefits to both mom and baby. Those who exercised for at least 20 minutes three times a week had babies with more mature cerebral activation during their first eight to 12 days of life.
This suggests that babies born to moms who exercised had brains that developed more rapidly than women that did not exercise, according to the research presented at the Neuroscience 2013 congress. While the researchers plan to test the babies at one year of age to see if the brain benefits last, the study suggests that exercise during pregnancy may enhance your newborn child's brain development.
In order to receive the benefit, the women exercised moderately, or enough to have a slight shortness of breath. Exercising moderately is considered safe for women having healthy, low-risk pregnancies.
Other benefits of exercise during pregnancy have already been established, including:
As one of the study's researchers noted:
"While being sedentary increases the risks of suffering complications during pregnancy … being active can ease post-partum recovery, make pregnancy more comfortable and reduce the risk of obesity in the children."
It's a good idea to check with your health care provider to be sure exercise is safe for you, as there are some cases when pregnant women should not exercise (such as if you have vaginal bleeding, high risk of preterm labor or cervical problems). Assuming you're cleared for exercise by your doctor, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the following forms of activity, even for beginners:
They also offer the following tips for exercising while you're pregnant:
This suggests that babies born to moms who exercised had brains that developed more rapidly than women that did not exercise, according to the research presented at the Neuroscience 2013 congress. While the researchers plan to test the babies at one year of age to see if the brain benefits last, the study suggests that exercise during pregnancy may enhance your newborn child's brain development.
In order to receive the benefit, the women exercised moderately, or enough to have a slight shortness of breath. Exercising moderately is considered safe for women having healthy, low-risk pregnancies.
Other benefits of exercise during pregnancy have already been established, including:
- Lower risk of gestational diabetes
- Reduced risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure
- Fewer symptoms of postpartum depression
- Better mood and energy
- Less back pain
- Increased stamina
- Better sleep
- A healthier heart for both mom and baby
As one of the study's researchers noted:
"While being sedentary increases the risks of suffering complications during pregnancy … being active can ease post-partum recovery, make pregnancy more comfortable and reduce the risk of obesity in the children."
It's a good idea to check with your health care provider to be sure exercise is safe for you, as there are some cases when pregnant women should not exercise (such as if you have vaginal bleeding, high risk of preterm labor or cervical problems). Assuming you're cleared for exercise by your doctor, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the following forms of activity, even for beginners:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Aerobics
They also offer the following tips for exercising while you're pregnant:
- Avoid exercises on your back after the first trimester
- Start gradually if it's been awhile since you've exercised
- Avoid brisk exercise in hot weather or if you have a fever
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid activities that carry a high risk of falling or other risks, including horseback riding, contact sports (hockey, basketball, soccer), scuba diving and downhill skiing
- Be sure you're eating the recommended amount of extra calories since eating a healthy diet during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby.
