Health Corp.
  
 

EXERCISE AND PREGNANCY

  
 
by Herman Falsetti, M.D.
  
     
 

Exercise during pregnancy is controversial. There are numerous changes in a woman's body which affect her ability to exercise.

  
     
 

Changes During Pregnancy:

  
 

As the fetus and uterus enlarge, the heart must pump more blood. Cardiac output can increase from 30 to 50% over the pre-pregnancy level. This results in the resting heart rate increasing 5-7 beats per minute in early pregnancy, up to 15 beats per minute in late pregnancy. There are also changes in the respiratory system (elevation of diaphragm) can decrease lung volume/capacity. Changes in the musculoskeletal include changing the center of gravity, making some movement of exercise and coordination more difficult.

 
     
 

Guidelines:

  
  In 1985 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published guidelines recommending exercise not lasting over 15 minutes and not to exceed 140 beats per minutes. These guidelines were revised in 1994 and the heart rate and duration of exercise eliminated. The current guideline is "women can exercise moderately to maintain cardiopulmonary and muscular fitness throughout pregnancy and the post partum period".  
     
 

Types of Exercise:

  
  Low impact exercise such as stationary bicycling, swimming or walking are recommended. Some exercises to be avoided, particularly in the third trimester are supine exercise, scuba diving, mountain climbing and weight lifting.  
     
 

Intensity of Exercise:

  
 

It is highly recommended that pregnant women use a heart rate monitor when they exercise. We recommend that women have a submax VO2 test to determine their anaerobic threshold and exercise 20 beats below anaerobic threshold. This will individualize the intensity. For some women an exercise heart rate of 150 is too low, for some it is too high. Thus it is important to measure the intensity since all people are unique.

  
     
 

The Advantages of Moderate Exercise During Pregnancy:

  
     
 

1) Women gain less weight and deliver slightly smaller babies.

2) Physically active women appear to tolerate labor pain better.

 
     
  If you have questions about exercise and pregnancy Dr. Herman Falsetti can be reached at 949 727 1900.  
     
 
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