Pregnant mums urged to keep moving to stay healthy
Pregnancy might seem like the perfect time to put your feet up, but research out today encourages expectant mums to keep moving.
The international study shows that a healthy diet and exercise can reduce the chance of having a Caesaean section or developing diabetes.
After suffering terrible back-pain during her first pregnancies, soon-to-be mum of three Genevieve McKelvey decided to step things up.
"If I don't exercise everything starts to hurt a little bit more, so doing lots of squats, core strength, building up the strenght in my arms," she said.
According to a comprehensive study out today, the benefits don't stop there.
"Mums who are healthier during pregnancy, who eat well and gain the recommended amount of weight-gain, and remain physically active have far less complications," said Professor Helena Teede of Monash University.
The study of more than 12,000 women found that by avoiding excess weight gain and staying active throughout pregnancy, expectant mothers cut their chance of having a C-section by 10 per cent, and their risk of gestational diabetes by a quarter.
"They're fitter, they're more able to have a healthy delivery, and not necessarily need Caesarian assistance," Professor Teede said.
Rather than something to be avoided, this study confirms that exercising while pregnant is not only safe, it's beneficial - recommending at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity activity every week.
"We really want to make sure in pregnancy you're exercising safely and effectively," Body Beyond Baby's Jen Dugard says.
"Concentrate on the basic movement patterns and make sure your pelvic floor and abdominals are coping with the exercise."
