January 2016 - Parks & Recreation - 38

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Benefits of an Active Pregnancy
By Kellie Walters, M.S.

T

he benefits of being physically active are well-known. Individuals who
are physically active are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, heart
disease and certain types of cancers. Additionally, physical activity has
been shown to improve our psychological health.

Yet, there seems to be confusion regarding the intensity level and types of
physical activities that are appropriate
for pregnant women. Despite this confusion, being physically active during
pregnancy has many proven benefits
for both baby and mom.
Benefits of Exercise
During Pregnancy
It is important for women to be physically active during their pregnancy because doing so reduces the chance of
developing many pregnancy-related
health risks such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and pre-term birth.
Furthermore, women who exercise
36	 Parks & Recreation

while pregnant are more likely to experience improved postpartum recovery, self-esteem and body image, as
well as increased quality of life. Lastly,
sedentary behaviors have been associated with increased health risks for the
baby (e.g., increased heart rate and fat
mass). Despite the many benefits of
being physically active during pregnancy, most pregnant women do not
meet the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
guidelines for physical activity.
Guidelines and Limitations
For women who do not have any
medical complications (e.g., pla-

| J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 6 | W W W. N R PA . O R G

centa previa), ACOG recommends
approximately 30 minutes a day of
moderate-intensity physical activity
on most days of the week. While
this recommendation may not seem
like a lot of physical activity, less
than 30 percent of pregnant women meet these guidelines and those
who do tend to be younger and better educated. Also, the likelihood
of pregnant women meeting the
physical activity guidelines when
they have another child in the home
decreases significantly.
When asked why they are not physically active, pregnant women report
barriers including a lack of time, not
enough energy/being too tired, physical limitations and not knowing if it
is safe to be physically active. While
the two most commonly reported barriers to being physically active are not



January 2016 - Parks & Recreation

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