Pregnant? Don't stop the exercise routine. James Pivarnik, Ph.D., FACSM, recommends that women continue exercise, including strength training, during pregnancy. According to Dr. Pivarnik, hundreds of studies have shown physical activity is not only safe, but beneficial, for expectant moms. Exercise can help control pregnancy weight gain as well as prevent gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension. In some cases, it seems that exercise during pregnancy may even reduce length of labor.
The research shows that being fit helps women stay healthy during pregnancy, reduces the likelihood of complications during labor and actually makes labor shorter. One of the biggest benefits is that it makes losing weight after the delivery easier.
About.com's Pregnancy site offers some great suggestions for moms-to-be to maintain fitness during pregnancy.
