If you are pregnant and a regular exerciser, congratulations! Women that consistently exercise over the course of a pregnancy gain less weight, fat and shed fat more quickly post-pregnancy. Regular exercise during pregnancy helps maintain a leaner body composition whereas the opposite will occur taking the route of a sedentary lifestyle.
In recent years, maternal obesity has become a growing problem in this country. The number of overweight women of childbearing age has climbed substantially. As you might expect, maternal obesity and pregnancy do not mesh well. The risk of maternal and fetal complications increases with the degree of obesity. Risks could include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and large birth weight babies prompting the need for C-sections. The "stacking up" of risks, or poor management of them can ultimately lead to a very high risk pregnancy, an uncomfortable pregnancy, and one that requires constant monitoring and often bed rest. Worse, forced bed rest can translate into more significant, unwanted weight gain.
A woman's pregnancy is a special time and it should be honored and met with proper nutrition and physical activity. Many overweight individuals I have met over the years have shared with me that their initial weight gain began with a pregnancy where 1) They gained too much weight while pregnant, and 2) Struggled to get the baby weight off. These factors coupled with a major lifestyle change post-pregnancy (having a newborn to look after), and a gradually slowing metabolism (with age), can create the perfect storm for considerable weight gain and retention of it.
As I always say, it is better to be proactive than reactive. Early intervention to be more active and eat properly throughout a pregnancy is the best line of defense. A pregnancy should not be used as free license to eat whatever one wants, or as an excuse to be waited on hand & foot. Keep problems away and protect your health and the health of your unborn child by taking the best possible care of yourself. Make your pregnancy memorable for the right reasons. Talk to your doctor about recommendations for safe and appropriate exercise during your pregnancy.
