Appropriate Activity Levels for Expectant Mother's

    For pregnant moms, it appears that simply meeting physical activity guidelines isn't enough to keep mom and baby healthy. Iowa State University recently conducted research indicating that getting physical activity throughout the day proved more beneficial than getting in a 30 minute bout of exercise just once per day. Moms who got regular exercise and who kept active throughout the day saw a decrease in back pain, increased energy, reduced insomnia, and limited excess weight gain. The benefits of increased activity and exercise throughout the day even extend to the baby's health. Studies have shown a mother's excessive weight gain during pregnancy predisposes children to obesity later in life. Expectant mothers are also likely to have to deal with an array of maternal complications including pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and postpartum obesity if they have gained an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy.

Find the research study here: Iowa State University: Study Shows Pregnant Women Need to Move More

    What does this mean for mother's-to-be? Keep active throughout your pregnancy, while following doctors' guidelines, and try to get more physical activity added to an otherwise sedentary lifestyle.