Physicians should recommend low to moderate exercise for their pregnant patients, even if they have not exercised prior to pregnancy, says a report in the August issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Exercise strengthens and improves musculoskeletal and physiological health as well as pregnancy-related symptoms, the report says. Exercise can include aerobics, impact and non-impact exercises, resistance training and swimming, the report says.
Exercise eases back pain,  other musculoskeletal pain, lowers maternal blood pressure,  reduces swelling and improves post-partum mood, including sadness, says Capt. Marlene DeMaio, a physician and research director of the  Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Va.
Exercise doesn’t harm the unborn child, DeMaio said. She added that starting an exercise program when pregnant can be an avenue to starting and sticking with a fitness program.
“When a woman becomes pregnant, she often re-evaluates her lifestyle,” DeMaio said. “She is motivated in a new way to deliver a healthy baby and be healthy herself.”

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