The Interactive Effects of Exercise During Pregnancy.

Fitness professionals are taught early on about the physiological benefits of exercise. Such things as increased blood volume, increase skin blood flow, increased cardiac output, increased size and strength of the heart muscle contraction and increased delivery of oxygen to the tissues. These are just a few of the many benefits your body receives from exercise.

Imagine if the physiological changes during pregnancy such as increased blood volume and increased blood flow to the tissue could be improved upon further through exercise. The answer is YES!

These responses become additive when exercise is maintained throughout pregnancy. An increase in blood volume and flow means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to you and your baby. Greater flow to your tissue, such as your skin, will help regulate body temperature. These are just a few examples.

In fact the circulatory status of a pregnant women is very similar to that of a training non-pregnant women during exercise. You are getting more bang for your buck when exercising during pregnancy because the physiological changes are additive.

We will break down each component further in future posting for those thirsting for physiological detail. For now know that pregnancy and exercise throughout the process is magic. The adaptations your body goes through will have made you stronger and more efficient than ever before. You will now have the energy to tackle your added responsibilities and enjoy them every step of the way.

To sum up our discussion:

• The benefits of exercise are numerous
• Certain physiological adaptations during pregnancy mimic those of women who exercise
• The combined benefits are additive when exercise is continued throughout pregnancy
• You and your baby will benefit!

Just a quick side note on the headline yesterday saying "Children's IQ Can Be Affected By Mother's Exposure To Urban Air Pollutants, Study Suggests," Science Daily July 20, 2009.

We know there are a lot of social and environmental factors out there which have a negative effect on the health of our children. With this in mind, it is the responsibility of the mother to ensure a high quality of health and fitness so such effects can be minimized.

Best of luck from your friends at Fitness4Baby.

Our information is referenced from: "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy," Clapp III, James F, 2002. Addicus Books Inc.

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