A study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, from Norwegian researchers, found that women who exercised during their second and third trimesters of pregnancy were far less likely to deliver a large birthweight baby than women who did not exercise during pregnancy.

It has long been known that babies who are overly large at birth (called fetal macrosomia) can suffer consequences as a result, such as delivery problems and low Apgar scores. Mothers who give birth to large babies may find themselves undergoing a c-section, experiencing a postpartum hemmorhage, or other delivery complications. In addition, there is some evidence to suggest that babies who are overly large at birth have a higher risk of becoming obese later in life.

 The Norwegian study included women who were experiencing their first pregnancy and the amount of exercise they participated in during their pregnancy, as well as infant birth weights of babies born to the mothers participating in the study. They discovered the following:

• In the 30^th week of pregnancy, one-quarter of the women stated they never exercised, while 19% said that they exercised 1 to 3 times per month. Almost one-third reported exercising 1 to 2 times per week, and almost one-quarter said they exercised 3 or more times per week.

• Women who participated in exercise activities 3 or more times a week were 28% less likely to have a large birthweight baby (more than 8.8 pounds)

• Exercise did not seem to be as beneficial in second and subsequent pregnancies as in the first pregnancy

What exercise is a no-no during pregnancy?

• High impact sports or aerobics (low impact aerobics are safe and beneficial)

• Any exercise in which women must lay on their backs, as this may compromise blood flow to the baby

• Contact sports (for obvious reasons)

• Horseback riding, or other sports which may result in a fall

Most women can participate safely in an exercise program during pregnancy. Not sure if your chosen sport is safe? When in doubt, check with your physician.

Related Links:

Pregnancy: The Unsafe Workout from Health Guru

Exercise During Pregnancy from Web MD

Top Recommended Exercises from American Pregnancy.org