Exercise during pregnancy

There are many benefits of exercising during pregnancy that have been identified. Benefits include: increased body awareness, increased endurance, improved posture, helps prevent gestational diabetes, lower physical discomforts associated with pregnancy, increased sense of well being, less fatigue, improved muscle tone, improved body image, active phase of labour is shorter, less forceps and caesarean births and physically fit women recover more quickly after birth (American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 1994; Clapp, 1998; Sternfeld, 1997).

Useful links:

• www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/active/tips_pregnancy.asp
• Pram Walking – project report
• Childcare services at sport, recreation and fitness centres – frequently asked questions
• Stroll with a stroller info sheet
• Active Kids (Active Community Guide)
• Getting active (Active Community Guide)
• Mum’s the Word (Active Community Guide)
• Kids’ Sport: child’s play in your own backyard