According to a report published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS), doctors should recommend moderate levels of exercise to their patients who are pregnant, even if they have not exercised before pregnancy.
According to this report, exercise can improve pregnancy related symptoms as well as strengthen overall musculoskeletal and physiologic health.
Exercises such as aerobics, impact and nonimpact activities, resistance training and swimming eases back and other musculoskeletal pain, lowers maternal blood pressure, reduces swelling and improves post-partum mood, including sadness.
According to study author Capt. Marlene DeMaio, M.D., M.C ., U.S.N., Research Director, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, data shows that the pregnant woman’s body can compensate for the changes with no harm to the fetus during low to moderate intensity exercise.
