by Sanjay

Created on: March 20, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

HOW AEROBICS CAN HELP DURING PREGNANCY

INTRODUCTION
There are many beneficial effects of aerobic and strength conditioning exercises in pregnancy.There should, however, be a close supervision from health care providers to define the safe limits of such exercises towards achieving a healthy lifestyle during the pregnant state.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Some studies have shown that a sedentary and inactive life can reduce muscular and cardiovascular fitness in pregnancy.Aerobic exercises have been shown to be beneficial in reducing easy fatigue, insomnia and tiredness by improving circulation and maximizing overall stamina.Evidence from some good quality studies has shown that women who pursue exercises have better preparedness and cope well during childbirth.They have a reduced duration of labor and lesser delivery related complications.There is a reduced likelihood of conditions like gestational or pregnancy related diabetes, raised blood pressure in pregnancy called pre-eclampsia and problems like varicose veins.

LIMITATIONS IN PREGNANCY
It is equally important for women pursuing aerobics to understand the limitations during pregnancy.Due to physiological changes in the heart and lungs, they should refrain from trying to achieve peak fitness levels or participate in athletic endeavors which can be detrimental.They should not indulge in deep sea diving or high altitude sports which puts them and their unborn babies at risk.

MEDICAL SUPERVISION
It is best to perform exercises under supervision.First of all , any high risk condition in pregnancy would warrant an obstetricians opinion about the safety of pursuing any aerobics.The main conditions which require close medical supervision are: bleeding in any trimester , previous history of premature labor, multiple pregnancy, cardiac or lung problems before pregnancy,raised blood pressure,diabetes, convulsions( epilepsy) and lastly orthopedic problems.

Women who wish to pursue aerobics in pregnancy should be under the care of a trained exercise instructor .They should ensure that they are well hydrated with fluids during exercise and also be vigilant about their heart rates to know when to stop!

POSTNATAL EXERCISES
Exercises after childbirth have been particularly useful in improving the tone of pelvic floor muscles which are stretched and damaged in pregnancy and labor.This would reduce long term problems related to incontinence of the bladder or bowel and prolapse in later life.Arnold Kegel developed these pelvic floor exercises many years ago in 1948 and they have now been incorporated as a part of pelvic physiotherapy exercise programs all over the world.

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