No Need for a Pregnant Pause: Physical Activity May Reduce the Occurrence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Preeclampsia

In Brief Available data, though sparse, consistently show that women who engage in recreational physical activity during pregnancy have approximately 50% reduction in the risk for gestational diabetes mellitus compared with inactive women. Physically active women have approximately 40% reduction in preeclampsia risk. Available data support the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists' recommendations that promote exercise during pregnancy. The current literature does not support concerns which once promoted many to think about pregnancy as a period of confinement.