$Unique_ID{BRK00593}
$Pretitle{Pregnancy and Childbirth}
$Title{The Safety of Exercise During Pregnancy}
$Subject{exercise pregnancy}
$Volume{K-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Safety of Exercise During Pregnancy


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I am a bit of an exercise fanatic, but now the welcome news that I
am pregnant is causing me to rethink my training program.  I would appreciate
any information you may have concerning the safety of exercise during this
period of my life.  I would hate to lose all of the progress I have made, but
will doing nothing to hurt the baby.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  This is a most common situation and the question of exercise during
pregnancy still remains one on controversy and discussion in the medical
literature.  The basic concerns relate to the way your body is changing as you
progress in your pregnancy, and whether the modifications that occur because
of intensive training can affect these changes.  It seems as there is no
absolutes, with many differing opinions, I can only point out some basic
considerations.  You realize that as you as the baby grows bigger, your own
balance and center of gravity will change, and through your coordination off.
Your body is even now, preparing for the delivery, and changes in your
hormones are loosening your ligaments and other tissue.  That may cause
increased mobility in your joints, that could lead to an exercise injury.
There is concern that the increased demand for oxygen for exercising muscles
may diminish the available oxygen for the baby.  In an attempt to bring some
order to the situation, the American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists developed guidelines which suggest that you only participate in
exercise designed to keep your pulse rate under 140/min and that you limit
your sessions to only 15 minutes.  Any complications in the pregnancy would
require you to stop all extra exertion.  But when you reflect on the reasons,
I am sure you won't mind.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
