Research shows that exercise during pregnancy can be a good thing for the development of a healthy baby.

A team from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences found that mothers exercising during pregnancy exhibit  babies in the womb with better foetal heart health and nervous system development.

NOTE: It is suggested that any women expecting a baby should visit a GP before undertaking any new exercise programme.

Moderate exercise for expecting mothers

The women in the study performed moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week. This exercise consisted of:

• Vigorous walking
• Stationary bike
• Running

Their foetal development was then non-invasively compared to the foetal development of non-exercising pregnant women. the research found that the foetal breathing and nervous system development was more mature in babies exposed to regular exercise.

Safe exercise for pregnany women

Research shows that expecting mothers can exercise regularly as long as they and the baby don;t over-heat.

To maintain a healthy body temperature it is suggested that pregnant women exercise at a level that does not exceed 130 beats per minute and that they keep fully hydrated before, during and after exercise.