Despite the many concerns some women have about exercising during pregnancy, the fact is most of the research shows that it is safe and beneficial for both mother and baby. Here are some surprising research findings (most from James Clapp III MD in his excellent book, Exercising Through Your Pregnancy)
1. Exercise helps make the placenta (the fetal lung) work more efficiently improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
2. Exercise is associated with delivery of "easier", "less fussy" babies.
3. The babies of moms who workout are actually leaner -- but of a healthy, appropriate weight and normal measurements.
4. Women who workout through their entire pregnancy report significantly fewer orthopedic complaints (such as low back pain).
5. Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women have an easier time dissipating heat due to higher blood volumes, more delivery of blood to the skin's surface and lower daytime body temperatures.
Geralyn Coopersmith, MA, CSCS is an exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer, author of Fit + Female: The Complete Fitness and Nutrition Game Plan for Your Unique Body Type and the creator of The Best Me Ever, a comprehensive weight loss and wellness system just for women. It's a first of its kind program designed to fit into a busy women's life. Lose weight and look great -- 90 Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee!!
