Exercise and pregnancy: information for practice nurses

Practice nurses are equipped to care for patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma and obesity. Therefore, says Clare Gordon, they are well placed to advise pregnant women on common physical activities they may undertake to maintain health and wellbeing It has long been recognised that regular physical activity and exercise enhance both physical and psychological wellbeing. The benefits of physical activity throughout the life span of an individual cannot be underestimated and it is no less important when a woman is planning to become, or is, pregnant. The World Health Organization (2010) note that physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and is attributed to 6% of deaths globally. This article explores the guidance for physical activity for the general population and how it then relates to the guidance available for women who are pregnant. This article considers some of the key benefits to a range of common physical activities that pregnant women may undertake. It also explores some of the information that practice nurses should be aware of and how physical activity may impact on several long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and obesity.