Exercising during pregnancy produces a host of benefits, from reducing symptoms of depression to shortening the amount of time spent in labour, as well as decreasing the risks of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Many pregnant women, however, shy away from including strength-training in their workouts, out of outdated safety concerns.
The research shows that including a supervised low-to-moderate intensity strength training program in pregnancy is both safe and effective, and will even improve feelings of low energy and fatigue.
So while I am not recommending that you join CrossFit for the first time when you are pregnant (the CrossFit-and-pregnant women you see on social media have been doing this for a long time!), there’s no reason why you shouldn’t continue or start a supervised low-to-moderate intensity strength training program. You’ll reap the benefits, and so will you baby, so get lifting : )
If you haven’t done so already, and want more evidence-based information for your pregnancy, sign up for my free cheat sheet: 8 shortcuts To A Healthy Pregnancy – and stay up-to-date with more great information, weekly tips, and announcements about the My Health Pregnancy Plan program.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
Dempsey, F. (2005). No need for a pregnant pause: physical activity may reduce the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 33(3): 141-149.
O’Connor, P. (2011). Safety and efficacy of supervised strength training adopted in pregnancy. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 8(3): 309-320.
Ward-Ritacco, C. (2016). Muscle strengthening exercises during pregnancy are associated with increased energy and decreased fatigue. Journal of Phychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 37(2): 68-72.