07/05/2024
Humans are designed to move. Designed to run and jump. Designed to birth babies.
And yet, there is a pervading belief in our western culture, that pregnant women should be sheltered, should rest, and shouldn’t strain themselves.
Roam has observed that physically active women often fare well during pregnancy, labor, and birth– the dancers, the weight lifters, the runners. Those that challenge and move their bodies alongside pregnancy.
The research is phenomenal!
Gestational diabetes mellitus can be reduced by 39-42%.
Gestational hypertension reduced by 46%.
Pre-eclampsia reduced by 21%.
Preterm birth reduced by 38% in women with a BMI of greater than 25.
For women with a BMI less than 25, no increase in preterm birth was associated with regular exercise– meaning exercise during pregnancy is safe!
Depression during pregnancy reduced by 67%.
Postpartum depression reduced by 60%.
Incidence of cesarean sections reduced by 37%.
Incidence of an intact perineum was 8.75 times higher.
So, what kind of physical activity? Moderate intensity exercise totaling 150 minutes per week. That is physical activity that raises your heart rate above its norm outside of our normal daily routines. Keep your body moving!
♡, roam.
With evidence from "Sweating It Out: Exercise In Pregnancy" by Gabriela Dellapiana, MD
Roam Midwifery
