Research has come a long way on the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Not only are their numerous advantages to mother and baby but it is now considered a risk factor to not exercise during pregnancy.

James Clapp II is a foremost researcher who has been studying this very topic for over 20 years. Although physicians are finally looking outside the box when it comes to physical activity during pregnancy, there are still some very “old school” and conservative approaches. James Clapp has taken his research one step further. He is much more liberal and treats every women individually (as anyone should whether they are pregnant or not).

You see, pregnancy is not an illness and has to stop being treated as such.  When a woman conceives, nature takes over and releases hormones that adjust her physical and physiological systems to adapt to growing a baby. Although it is by far the most amazing miracle that you can experience, it is nothing new and our bodies are made to procreate. So why is it that not too long ago, when we became pregnant, we were told to sit, put our feet up and not exert ourselves to protect the fetus against any harm?

Times have changed. Not only is exercise during pregnancy recommended but it’s now prescribed to women as one sure fire way to avoid many pregnancy related conditions. Gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, low back pain and varicose veins are just a few of the conditions that plague pregnant women time and time again. The problem is that a lot of women accept that back pain is “just one of those things” that come with pregnancy. And some also still believe that when you are pregnant, you are eating for two. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Just as pregnancy is not an illness, it certainly isn’t a sentence either.

Regular physical activity not only increases energy that can really help in the later stages of pregnancy, but it also helps to maintain optimal and healthy weight gain. Improved feelings of wellness can also help women embrace the physical changes that are being made.

Babies of exercising mothers are able to tolerate the stresses of labour and delivery better, have higher apgar tests and more muscle mass than non-exercising mothers. The benefits far out-weigh the risks as long as you are dealing with a healthy, non-complicated pregnancy.

Please see your OBGYN or doctor for clearance before starting an exercise routine.