Fact or Fiction: Pregnancy Edition from our Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
The type of exercise you do dictates miscarriage - FALSE
There is no evidence to show that the intensity of exercise or type of exercise dictates miscarriage. In 2018, a metanalysis and systematic review was completed with 46 studies included, findings indicated that there was no associated of volume, intensity, or frequency exercise with miscarriage (Davenport et al, 2018).
In fact, moderate intensity exercise has been documented to decrease time to conception. Moderate intensity exercise increased success rates of IVF and did not influence miscarriage in those going through IVF (Rao et al 2018).
Do not do exercise laying on your back - FALSE
The concern with laying on your back with exercise is due to “clinical supine hypotensive syndrome” which translates to decrease in blood pressure with laying on your back causing concern of blood flow to the placenta. HOWEVER, this usually occurs after 3-7 minutes and would cause feelings of dizziness, nausea or general feelings of being unwell. Most exercises we do do not last 3-7 minutes, if mom wants to continue bench pressing and is asymptomatic - let her bench! If symptoms do occur, slightly elevate and carry on or modify the exercise (Mottola et al, 2019).
Do not lift over 20 pounds - FALSE
Compared to national outcomes, women who lifted heavy prior to AND during pregnancy had LOWER rates of mood disorders, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. Additionally, there were no adverse fetal outcomes or increased chance of miscarriage (Prevett et al 2023).
Do not get your heart rate over 150 beats per minute - FALSE
This statement was based on a study done in 2012 with only six pregnant Olympic athletes (Salvesen et al, 2012), since then research has disproved this statement time and time again. As recent as May 2023 a similar study was repeated on 15 pregnant women showing no adverse effects of high intensity exercise to mom or fetus (Wowdzia et al, 2023).
To even further disprove this claim, a systematic review and meta-analysis was completed showing no adverse effects of high intensity exercise into the third trimester of pregnancy. (Beetham et al, 2019).
Do not do sit ups during pregnancy - FALSE
The fear of sit ups during pregnancy is due to the fear associated around diastasis recti and coning or doming. The reason diastasis recti occurs is due to the lengthening of the connective tissue between the “six pack” muscles that is NECESSARY for the baby to grow. In order to keep that connective tissue strong, we want to encourage sit ups and modifications of sit ups! If mom is noticing coning / doming in the abdomen with these movements it is more often due to pressure management than the exercise itself.
Every pregnancy is different and care should be tailored to your specific needs - TRUE
Every woman and every pregnancy is going to be different, women deserve to feel empowered during this time as they create a human. The female body is very strong and capable and we have overwhelming evidence on the benefits of exercise during pregnancy! If you need help tailoring your exercise routine or are unsure where to start during pregnancy, we are here to help.
If you have questions about pelvic floor physical therapy, let’s chat! Dr. Lexi Noel is ready to assist you in your pelvic health journey at our convenient twin cities physical therapy locations.
West metro resisdents book your FREE discovery call here https://loonstatephysicaltherapy.janeapp.com/locations/linden-hills-edina/book#/staff_member/3/treatment/10
East metro residents book your FREE discovery call here https://loonstatephysicaltherapy.janeapp.com/locations/lake-elmo-stillwater/book#/staff_member/3
