Exercise in Pregnancy

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer studies various research concerning the value of exercise to a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. The writer notes that the benefits of physical fitness and enhanced body image have been enough motivation for women to continue exercise during pregnancy. The writer points out however, that exercise has not been recommended to those of diverse cultural background who have a high prevalence of obesity and overweight. To those who find exercising to be culturally acceptable, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests proper screening in order to avoid extreme environmental conditions and activities, which can lead to abdominal trauma. The writer concludes that experience, opinion and increasing measurable evidence combine to point to the advantages and benefits of exercise before, during, and after pregnancy and as an overall boon to the health to every individual.

From the Paper:

"On the other hand, there have been separate and new researches, which reported multiple benefits of exercise during pregnancy for both woman and baby. These include improved cardiovascular function, less weight gain, improved attitude and mood and less difficult or complicated labor, faster recovery and greater fitness. The pregnant woman only needs to be cautious about the type of exercise, its intensity, duration and frequency. The unborn baby also benefits from the improved stress tolerance and advanced neurobehavioral maturity, which exercise can bring. The unborn child of a woman who exercises during pregnancy tends to become leaner and smaller but also has better early neurodevelopment. There have been no studies, which showed that moderate exercise created problems on the developing embryo. Doctors have just probably been playing safe and were apprehensive over the increase in body temperature during exercise as having adverse effects on the fetus."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brownlee, C. Fit Moms, Brainier Babies. Science News: Science Service, Inc., March 1, 2006
• Business Wire. Studies Show Huge Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy. Business Wire, July 21, 2004
• Devoe, Lawrence D. Exercise in Pregnancy. OB/Gyn News: International Medical News Goup, September 1, 2001
• Dvorak, Heidi. Special Gums for Moms-to-be. Muscle and Fitness/Hers: Weider Publications, December 2002
• Griskey, Michele. Great Expectations. American Fitness: Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, February 2002

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