The need for current, evidence-base

The need for current, evidence-based prenatal and postpartum fitness information has grown as more pregnant women are physically active and wish to continue with their rou-tine through pregnancy. An ongoing body of literature has shown that regular, moderate-level exercise during pregnancy has positive benefits including reduced fat deposition and retention, shorter and less complicated labors, and a more rapid recovery postpartum. In addition, women who exercise during and after pregnancy tend to have greater energy levels, tolerate physiological and psychological stresses better, and report fewer physical complaints. Most important, research on pregnancy and exercise has found no adverse short-or long-term fetal or maternal problems associated with regular exercise in an uncomplicated pregnancy. In the past, women have been advised to refrain from exercise during pregnancy for fear of miscarriage, premature delivery, or poor fetal outcome. Before the 1980s, there was little research that examined the effects of exercise on pregnancy, and the studies that were available were animal studies. Initial research focused on whether it was safe for a woman to exercise while pregnant, and over time the data provided evidence that it was indeed safe for the majority of pregnant women