Exercise During Pregnancy Improves Baby’s Motor Skills
In recent decades women have been encouraged to exercise during pregnancy. Updated guidelines on ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) says pregnant women should be exercising for 150 minutes a week. Traditionally some considered exercise to be too stressful for the mothers body. Research though has been showing its hugely beneficial for both mom and baby.
This doesn’t mean you should sign up for a marathon once you see that green check mark or the smiley face show up on your pregnancy stick. It could be simple as jumping on the treadmill, an elliptical or a stationary bike. Well maybe not literally jump on.
This study linked aerobic exercise to improved motor skills in 1 month old babies. Pregnant moms started at 13-16 weeks gestation. They exercised aerobically under supervision for 50 mins 3 times a week. Aerobic exercises include treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical etc.
Study Findings?
Babies were tested at the one month mark. Babies born in the exercise group showed improved motor skill scores. The authors believe aerobic exercise for the mothers improves fetal growth and development through improved fetal nutrient supply. Oxygenation is better for these babies which matured the babies brains and nervous systems more.
One interesting revelation was that in pregnant women that exercised the baby girls scored as high as baby boys. In some cases they outscored them in motor skills. Normally the testosterone in boys develops their motor skills better but this study didn’t show that. This is something to keep in mind if you know you’re having a girl and/or perhaps you have a competitive streak.
Taking this aside this study has positive implications for combating childhood obesity which is on the rise. Unfortunately this study only tested the babies at the one month mark. All mothers had uncomplicated pregnancies with the babies being born at full term. The study didn’t look into maternal diet, sleep, occupation, sedentary lifestyle or infants environment after birth which also plays a role.
The Role of Physical Therapy?
Whether you’re looking for a safe exercise program or perhaps you have some pregnancy related complications and would benefit from closer monitoring during exercise. Our therapists at Body Harmony Physical Therapy have experience of working with pregnant women and providing a safe exercise program individualized for your specific needs. Call us at 212-233-9494 to schedule an appointment or ask further questions.
Written by: Keely Faridi, PT
References:
- PT in Motion August 20, 2019 Study: Mothers who exercise during pregnancy give their infants a motor skills boost. By Johanna 8/23/2019. www.apta.org
- McMillan et al. 2019. Effects of Aerobhzic Exercise during Pregnancy on 1-Month Infant Neuromotor Skills. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. August 2019. Vol 51 (8) 1671-1676.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. www.acog.org. Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. Dec 2015.
