Fit Moms Make Smarter Babies
Hidden Benefits of Exercise during Pregnancy = Smarter Babies
A growing number of studies reveal that many benefits of exercise during pregnancy are not just for mom, but baby too!The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines state that, “in the absence of either medical or obstetrical complications, 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most, if not all, days of the week is recommended for pregnant women.
Mom's Benefits:
- Improved fitness level and muscle tone to help you deal with pregnancy and labor
- Reduced risk of excess weight gain
- Enhanced release of endorphins to cope with perceived pain during labor
- Shortened labor and fewer c-sections
- Reduced back and pelvic pain
- Improved sleep patterns
- Faster postpartum recovery and faster return to pre-pregnancy weight
- Decrease risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia
- Less incidences of depression and pregnancy related stress
Baby's benefits:
- Smarter kids: one study showed higher scores on general intelligence and oral language skills (Journal of Pediatrics, Dec. 1996)
- Decreased birth weight, but still considered healthy (note: Pregnant obese women can increase the risk of their child developing obesity by preschool age.)
- Decreased body fat at birth and 5 years later
MRPT Physical Therapists are trained to provide you with a safe and effective exercise program. If you have pain, we are the most qualified health professionals to guide you through appropriate treatment and exercises.