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Sport and exercise in pregnancy

By Dr Joe Kabyemela, MD

A physically active lifestyle is known to be good for one's general health and this remains true during pregnancy.

It is also true that during pregnancy there may be certain considerations because of the special nature of pregnancy: Questions as to the type of exercise, extent of physical exertion, what is safe and what isn’t.

As a general rule, a pregnant woman should be encouraged to b Exercise during pregnancy is beneficial e physically active, which does not necessarily mean a formal exercise regime. A regular walk, a swim and taking the stairs instead of an elevator might just serve the purpose.

For those who engage in sport, pregnancy does not necessarily mean having to give up, unless it is a contact sport (such as boxing or wrestling). Quite clearly, with those sports, there is a theoretical risk of injury that may imperil the pregnancy.

Most amateur and professional sportswomen engage in non-contact sport, and most of these are quite compatible with pregnancy. In fact, even those engaged in competitive sports can still carry on, especially if this falls in the early part of the pregnancy. Exercise and sport have several benefits for a participating pregnant woman, as we will explain shortly.

There are those who, by virtue of preexisting medical conditions, may be unable to engage in active physical exercises. These are very much in the minority and specific advice regarding this is usually given.

The benefits of exercise in pregnancy

There is no doubt that a pregnant woman who exercises regularly accrues significant psychological benefits from the activity. All other things being equal, she will be more relaxed, more energetic and feel good about herself, more so than her sedentary counterpart.

Physical benefits of exercise in pregnancy

Exercising during pregnancy will lead to reduction in things such as bloatedness, backache, fatigue and headache - all common problems during pregnancy.

Women who exercise have also reported significant reduction in shortness of breath and constipation.

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Exercise during pregnancy is good. Just choose safe exercises and pace yourself.