LB2882MaternalNutriti+ - Mead Johnson Nutrition

Guidelines for Physical Activity during Pregnancy and Lactation
Exercise is beneficial for weight control during pregnancy and for weight loss or maintenance during the
preconception, postpartum, and intrapartum periods. During pregnancy, regular physical activity may improve the
possibility of gaining weight within the targeted ranges, 3 help decrease minor aches and pains, lessen constipation,
improve energy level, reduce stress, and improve sleep. 77 Exercise has also been shown to improve glucose
tolerance, and help prevent the development of gestational diabetes. 122,123 Research indicates that infant birth-weight
is not negatively affected by moderate-intensity exercise in women who have adequate energy intake. 26,124
Research indicates that the risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome associated with moderate-intensity physical
activity, such as brisk walking, is very low for healthy pregnant women. 23 The US Department of Health and Human
Services states, “Unless a woman has medical reasons to avoid activity during pregnancy, she can begin or continue
moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity during her pregnancy and after the baby is born.” 23 The World Health
Organization suggests that pregnant and postpartum women seek medical advice on how to achieve their physical
activity goals. 25
Women with uncomplicated pregnancies should participate in at least 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes) of
moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week which may be divided up into five, 30-minute walks per week or into bouts
of 10-minutes of physical activity at a time. 3,23-25 Pregnant women just beginning to exercise should start slowly and
gradually increase over time. 23 Exercise is not indicated for women with certain medical or obstetrical complications
such as significant heart disease, restrictive lung disease or pre-eclampsia, among others. 28
Certain activities are not recommended during pregnancy, including any activity involving pressure changes that could
deprive the fetus of oxygen, such as scuba diving, and any activity with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma
such as downhill skiing, horseback riding, soccer, basketball, and anything with jumping or jarring motions such as
high-impact aerobics classes. 23,28,77 Pregnant women should also avoid exercising while lying on their backs after the
first trimester, 26,28 as it compresses the vena cava possibly causing a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or a
loss of consciousness.
To avoid dehydration, pregnant women need about 10 eight-ounce cups of fluid daily. 125 While there are no
recommendations for fluid intake in pregnant exercisers, they will likely need more to account for losses.
Most women with uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries can begin exercising a few weeks after delivery; others
will need to wait longer. A gradual return to a pre-pregnancy level of physical activity is most prudent, 26 especially for
women who have cesarean deliveries and those on bed rest during pregnancy. Women should be encouraged to get
regular physical activity in the post-partum period and beyond, even when weight loss is not a goal. 37
Gradual weight loss resulting from exercise and calorie restriction does not appear to compromise lactation
performance. 27,28,68 Severe calorie deficits, however, may impair milk production. 126 Lactating mothers should try
to nurse just before exercising for prolonged periods (thirty minutes or more) to avoid discomfort 26 and should be
encouraged to drink fluids before, during, and after exercise to stay hydrated. Experts recommend that lactating
women consume 13 eight-ounce cups of fluid daily; 125 exercise will likely increase their fluid needs.
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