Current neuroscience research is focusing on if an expectant mother’s exercise routines have a positive effect on the brain development of their baby after birth.
Research presented at the annual Society for Neuroscience by researchers from the University of Montreal compared the babies of women who began exercising at the start of their second trimester through the length of their pregnancy to women who didn’t exercise at all during their pregnancy. Here’s the breakdown of the research:
- The women who exercised did so three times a week for at least 20 minutes at a moderate intensity.
- The researchers studied the brain activity of the women’s 8-12 day-old babies by EEG during their sleep.
- The research found that the babies of the women who exercised had slightly increased brain activity compared to the babies of women who didn’t exercise.
- The researchers think that this increased brain activity could give these babies an advantage in learning language.
- The researchers are continuing to track the babies through their first year of life to see if the advantage continues.
The study was relatively small, tracking only 18 mothers and babies, but even if exercising during pregnancy doesn’t make your baby smarter, it does make you healthier.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that exercise during pregnancy reduces some pregnancy risks including the risk of gestational diabetes. Benefits of exercise include:
- Reduced swelling, backaches, and constipation
- Improved sleeping quality, muscle tone, mood, and energy
- Shorter and easier delivery for some women
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women with healthy pregnancies should get at least two and a half hours of moderate physical activity over the course of the week – that equates to 30 minutes five days a week. You can gauge if you’re getting moderate physical activity by using the talk test: you should be able to comfortably talk while exercising but should be working hard enough that you’re not able to sing.
While you’re still able to exercise during pregnancy, know that you need to be more mindful of your body. Your joints and ligaments are looser and may lead to injury during exercise if not careful. Increased blood flow can make you out of breath more quickly than usual. Make sure to slow down and drink water if you feel like you’re uncomfortable.
If you’re pregnant, or considering pregnancy, you should always check with your obstetrician or midwife before beginning any new exercise routines and double check to make sure your current routine is safe for pregnancy.
Gainesville’s premier obstetricians at All About Women provide competent and complete care during your pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to ask us about your exercise routine or any other concerns about pregnancy at your next checkup.
