Exercise during pregnancy reduces caesarean risk

Recent research from the University of Alberta, found that women who exercise during their pregnancy are 20% less likely to need a caesarean section and 31% less likely to have a large baby.

I think that we already knew that exercise has its benefits, but it is nice to see the research backing up what we suspected… that maintaining healthy habits through pregnancy can actually reduce the need for interventions.

When pregnant, it isn’t the time to suddenly take up a new sport and start running marathons (despite what the photo in the article may suggest!) – however gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga, pilates etc. can be very beneficial to both mother and baby (subject to medical advice, of course).

And – it helps us to keep our weight at a normal, healthy level too. We don’t want to still be wearing those maternity tracky-dacs 12 months after giving birth if we can avoid it!

Read more about the benefits of maintaining a healthy exercise regime through pregnancy here.