Pregnancy does not equate to fragility

IN no way does this article categorize itself as medical advice for those who are pregnant. Please consult your doctor before embarking on a fitness program.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine investigated the childbirth delivery outcomes between first-time pregnant athletes compared with non-athletes. The study compared birth outcomes of female elite athletes engaged in high-impact sports like running, soccer etc. and low impact sports like swimming, cycling etc.

The athletes, prior to birth, competed at a national team level or equivalent and trained for at least three years before a first pregnancy. Information on delivery outcomes for non-athletes were collected from the Icelandic Medical Birth Registry. The study found that participation in competitive sports at the elite level was not related to adverse delivery outcome, including length of labor, the need for caesarean section during delivery and severe perineal tears.

The study proponents got their interest in the topic after climbing Mt. Everest with a Sherpa guide who was in the third trimester of pregnancy. The guide totaled 270 minutes of exercise a day, nearly twice the amount recommended in a week. This research study is ground-breaking in the sense that pregnant women have always been told to restrict their exercise.

Here are some tips for those who wish to exercise in their pregnancy:

1. Get comfortable. Find an activity you can do comfortably. Preferably an activity you’ve been accustomed to, years before childbirth.

2. Wear loose clothing.

3. Consult your doctor. Your medical professional will know best what activities you can tolerate, or if there are any medical conditions that require

more care with your physical activity.

4. Find a trainer and coach who has had experience in training clients in partum.

5. When in doubt, go easy. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking and cycling are always great. Strive to do 30 minutes a day.