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Exercise and FitnessWhat is the connection between physical activity, exercise, fitness, and pregnancy? What kind(s) of physical activity/exercise should I do? Do you recommend joining a gym? What is the connection between physical activity, exercise, fitness, and pregnancy?Physical activity is about moving around and being less sedentary. Exercise is a more systematic, routine form of physical activity. Both or either can lead to all-around improved health and fitness, and by extension, to a healthier pregnancy.Specifically, physical activity, in appropriate amounts can decrease the risk of developing conditions and their complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, some forms of cancer, and osteoporosis. Physical activity and exercise can help to:
What kind(s) of physical activity/exercise should I do?Current research suggests all-around fitness requires three types of activities:
Do you recommend joining a gym?What we recommend is increased physical activity - you can do it on your own or through a gym.The good news is you can get many of the health benefits of exercise simply by adopting a more active lifestyle. An active lifestyle includes a total of 30 minutes or more a day of moderately strenuous activities such as walking the dog, gardening, or doing housework. Some more ideas for staying active are:
Most recent page update: 10/26/2012
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Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality and value of maternity care through consumer engagement and health system transformation. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families. |
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Listening to MothersSM III is the third national
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