Pregnancy can be a challenging period in terms of maintaining physical fitness. Many women are often advised against engaging in strenuous exercise and weightlifting to avoid potential complications. However, a recent study has suggested that this advice may not always be accurate.
The study, which involved 675 participants who regularly lifted at least 80% of a one-rep max during their pregnancies, yielded unexpected results. Conducted by researchers from the Institute of Clinical Excellence in Concord, North Carolina, and the Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health at the University of Alberta, Canada, the study concluded that engaging in heavy prenatal resistance training did not have a negative impact on perinatal and pelvic floor health outcomes. This was true regardless of whether participants engaged in activities such as Olympic lifting, Valsalva (forcefully exhaling against a closed airway), or supine weightlifting.
In fact, the study reported that those who maintained their pre-pregnancy training levels until delivery experienced significantly fewer reproductive complications compared to those who ceased training prior to delivery. This is certainly noteworthy, especially considering that most of the participants were recreational athletes, with 88% of them engaged in CrossFit and/or weightlifting during their pregnancies. Surprisingly, the majority of these women reported no complications during pregnancy or delivery and even returned to weightlifting around three months after giving birth.
Interestingly, these findings contradict the common belief that high-impact activities like CrossFit and weightlifting are more likely to result in injuries, especially during pregnancy. The study’s results suggest that such beliefs may not always hold true.
This study is not the first to highlight the benefits of exercise for pregnant women. A review of 31 randomized controlled trials conducted between 2015 and 2020 showed that women who participated in a group exercise program that included aerobic, resistance, pelvic floor training, stretching, and relaxation sessions experienced several positive outcomes. These included lower maternal weight gain, improved heart-rate recovery, better glucose tolerance, lower blood pressure, decreased risk of depression, lower newborn weight, and faster foetal heart-rate recovery time.
The research has demonstrated that staying active during pregnancy can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby. It’s certainly reassuring news for any expectant or new mothers who are eager to stay fit. To get started, there are various fitness resources available, such as the Buump Active app, designed specifically for mums and mums-to-be who want to stay active. Additionally, there are pelvic-floor trainers that can help tighten muscles to support postpartum recovery.
Ultimately, this study brings to light the potential benefits of continuing rigorous exercise during pregnancy. of course, it’s important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare providers before beginning or continuing any exercise routine. But for many expectant mothers, this research offers a refreshing perspective on staying fit during pregnancy and beyond.