In France, nearly 950,000 pregnancies are recorded each year. Pregnancy is not a disease, but a physiological condition associated with certain health risks. In this context, can we reasonably combine sport and pregnancy? What sports activity and at what dose without taking any risk for yourself and your baby? Health on the Net discusses these issues.
Can we reconcile sport and pregnancy?
Current recommendations for pregnant women indicate that it is advisable to practice regular moderate-intensity physical activity during pregnancy. Sport and pregnancy are therefore compatible. Nevertheless, certain sporting activities may be inadvisable or even contraindicated throughout pregnancy, or only towards the end of pregnancy.
To be sure to choose a physical activity compatible with pregnancy, it is of course advisable to discuss it with the midwife, the doctor or the gynecologist. Certain activities present a risk for the pregnant woman and for the baby, in particular contact sports or high-risk sports. Combat sports are to be avoided, while scuba diving is contraindicated. Beyond the choice of physical activity, it remains to determine the frequency and intensity of sport to harmoniously reconcile sport and pregnancy.
What sport and at what dose during pregnancy?
Before, during or following pregnancy, physical activity should be regularbut also adapted to his physical condition and state of health. Some sports, for example, are not recommended for people with cardiovascular problems. For pregnant women, certain sports activities are particularly recommended, such as:
- Swimming ;
- L’aquagym ;
- Walking and Nordic walking;
- Gentle gymnastics;
- And yoga ;
- Le tai-chi chuan.
Other activities are beneficial in early pregnancy, but may be associated with risks towards the end of pregnancy. This is particularly the case with cycling or horse riding, where the risk of falls at the end of pregnancy can have major consequences on the health of the mother and the child. Ideally, you should practice adapted and regular physical activity throughout pregnancy. Advice can be sought from the midwife or doctor.
What are the benefits of doing physical activity during pregnancy?
The practice of regular physical activity allows pregnant women to stay in shape and contributes to better physical recovery following childbirth. The benefits of sport during pregnancy are multiple :
- Improved sleep (in quality and duration);
- Improved breathing capacity;
- Better flexibility of the joints, which are heavily used during pregnancy and childbirth, and therefore less joint pain;
- A reduced risk of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension or macrosomia;
- Improved psychological well-being, with a reduced risk of postpartum depression.
Ideally, doctors recommend a minimum duration of physical activity of 150 minutes per week.
However, if sport is beneficial for pregnancy, certain situations make it impossible to practice it. The occurrence during pregnancy of certain complications (for example a threat of premature delivery) may require the cessation of all sporting activity, or even bed rest. In all cases, sports practice must be adapted to the physical condition of the pregnant woman, her state of health and the progress of her pregnancy. Professional advice is essential to best reconcile sport and pregnancy.
Published on August 9, 2020 by Estelle B, Doctor of Pharmacy. Updated by Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy, January 4, 2023.
Sources
– WHAT PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES DURING PREGNANCY? 1000-first-days.fr. Accessed January 4, 2023.
