Why exercise during pregnancy and postpartum? Because both you and your baby benefit. Aerobic and strength-conditioning exercise can help prevent a variety of pregnancy-related complications (like excessive weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, and urinary problems). Women who do strength-conditioning exercise during pregnancy typically have a shorter labour and fewer delivery complications. 1,2
At Harmony Midwives, we work with you to develop a safe, realistic and individualized plan for getting or staying fit. The attached PARmed-X form (Physical Activity Readiness Medical Exam for Pregnancy) is a good place to start.
You can explore organized Pre and Postnatal Fitness Programs (links below), or get creative and come up with your own plan, and yes, chasing a toddler counts as exercise…..
References
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, Exercise in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period, Clinical Practice Guidelines. June 2003. Taken from: http://sogc.org/guidelines/exercise-in-pregnancy-and-the-postpartum-period/ Oct 27/08.
- Royal college of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Exercise in Pregnancy (statement #4). April 02, 2015. Taken from https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/exercise-in-pregnancy-statement-no.4/
PARmed-X
Physical Activity Readiness Medical Exam for Pregnancy (PARmed-X for Pregnancy)
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)
2002
http://www.csep.ca/cmfiles/publications/parq/parmed-xpreg.pdf
Pre and Postnatal Fitness
Fit 4 Two Pre and Postnatal Fitness
http://www.fit4two.ca/
City of Port Coquitlam Leisure guide
http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/Recreation_and_Culture/Leisure_Guide.htm
City of Coquitlam Recreation and Community Info
http://www.coquitlam.ca/parks-recreation-and-culture/overview.aspx
City of Port Moody Recreation and Parks Happening Guide
http://www.portmoody.ca/index.aspx?page=20