Physical activity during pregnancy

Physical activity during pregnancy has positive health effects for the mother and child. The expectant mother gains less weight, which reduces the risk of diseases like pregnancy diabetes and preeclampsia. Not only does the mother benefit from a healthy lifestyle (movement and diet) but also the unborn child. Therapeutic foundations are laid for the future life of the child before and during the pregnancy within the bounds of perinatal programming. Overweight and adiposity as well as accompanying illness, i. e. diabetes type II, can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy. Therefore lifestyle interventions for pregnant women and women with the wish for children offers overweight prevention measures for children and young people. In general, every woman should be physically active as long as there are no absolute contrary indicators. A combination of moderate and intense physical activity, at least three days a week for 30 minutes, is recommended. Furthermore, the bigger muscles should be toned at least twice a week.