Latest Research Findings: 3 in 4 Pregnant Women are NOT Doing Enough Exercise.

April 2, 2010 - PRLog -- International guidelines set by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist now recommend that pregnant women should aim to do 30mins or more of moderate exercise on most, if not all days of the week.

A study from the University of North Carolina looked at data collected on over 1200 pregnant women from 1999 to 2006. The authors found that only 22.8% of pregnant women engaged in a level of activity that met these guidelines.

Colleen Burns, a Sydney-based physiotherapist (and mother to 2 month old Matilda) said most pregnant women can exercise safely.

“There is now plenty of evidence to prove that moderate exercise is not dangerous” Colleen said.

“In fact, women who stay active are likely to benefit from a host of positive effects on the health and wellbeing of themselves and their developing baby”

Colleen said some of the benefits of exercising for pregnant women include:

•   Less likelihood of unhealthy weight gain
•   Reduced risk of gestational diabetes
•   Improved sleep
•   Reduced aches and pains
•   Easier and faster labour with fewer complications
•   Quicker recovery
•   Reduced risk of post natal depression

“There’s even evidence now to suggest that babies born to exercising mothers can also reap the rewards with improved cardiovascular and nervous systems, better memories, better ability to self-settle, and generally become ‘healthier’ children,” she said.

Colleen has recently launched a new Australia-first web site, www.pregfit.com.au, to help encourage women to stay active during pregnancy and to make safe exercise choices.  

PregFit.com.au aims to provide expectant mums with all they need in the way of great fitness advice, as well as specialist maternity active-wear.

“Until now it’s been virtually impossible for pregnant women in Australia to find suitable exercise clothing,” said Mrs Burns

“The specialised fitness wear we stock are a perfect fit for the changing body of a pregnant woman,” she said.

“And, they have all been personally tested by me throughout my own recent pregnancy!”

PregFit.com.au is also building a national directory listing of qualified health professionals offering specific exercise classes for pregnant and postal natal women.

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A new and exciting website promoting an active, fit and healthy pregnancy. Lots of great information about pregnancy and exercise. Australia's only place to shop for the highest quality, specialist Maternity Activewear.