A Spanish study shows that expectant mothers who practice physical activity give birth to smaller babies and halve the risk of having a cesarean section.
Gone are the days when pregnant women had to spend their pregnancies resting and limiting their efforts. For several years now, doctors have been encouraging mothers-to-be to exercise, such as walking, for example, but a Spanish study is driving the point home! According to these scientists from the University of Granada who publish this analysis in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, even pregnant women should continue to exercise, until the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
510 expectant mothers put to the effort
To reach this conclusion, this team of Spanish doctors recruited 510 sedentary pregnant women in their study, which they divided into two groups. On the one hand, a group of witness-to-be mothers, whom these researchers left in “cocooning” mode, that is to say that they followed them, without encouraging them to do particularly physical activity. And on the other, a group of mothers-to-be who put on sneakers. Private stretching and gymnastics lessons of about 50 minutes, adapted to their condition, were offered three times a week, from 2th to 3th trimester of their pregnancy.
34% fewer caesarean sections for active mothers-to-be
“At the time of birth, the number of babies weighing more than 4kg was reduced by 58% in the group of active mothers and the number of cesarean sections decreased by 34% compared to sedentary mothers” explains Dr. Jonathan Ruiz, one of the authors of this survey. The latter specifies that doctors have a very important role to play. They should increase the incentive for pregnant women to maintain regular physical activity during this period of their life. For their own good but also for that of their unborn baby. Although cesarean delivery is safe, it still carries more risk than delivery naturally. Numerous studies have already shown that this method of childbirth remains a surgical intervention, with in particular a greater risk of infection for the mother. Note that the main objective of the study was to verify whether physical activity reduced the incidence of gestational diabetes in women. A complication of pregnancy which can cause, for example, edema or hypertension in the mother and respiratory distress or a risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the child. However, in this follow-up, more or less regular physical activity did not vary this parameter. The rate of occurrence of gestational diabetes was the same in the two groups of women.
Not just any sport during pregnancy
Although the conclusions of this study are strongly in favor of the practice of a physical activity until the 9 month of pregnancy. Doctors remind that not all sports are suitable for this period. Specialists specify that certain disciplines such as walking, gentle gymnastics, swimming or cycling are highly recommended during pregnancy. Conversely, all contact sports, such as boxing, football or volleyball, should be avoided. Likewise, downhill skiing or horseback riding are to be forgotten for a few less because of the risk of falls and blows to the stomach. Finally, for pregnant women who have decided to move more, it is important to always remember to hydrate well. And in strong periods, avoid too intense physical activity outdoors, especially during hours of strong sunshine. And before putting on the gym outfit, do not hesitate to ask the health professional who is monitoring your pregnancy for advice.
.