March 8, 2005 - While much research focuses on healthy babies for pregnant
mothers, little has been published about the physical and emotional health
and changes that the mothers go through themselves. A study in a recent
issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine presents data that
characterizes these changes and highlights exercise as an effective means
for preventing decline in physical function and emotional health for
pregnant women.
The study was conducted on a group of multi-ethnic women, during and
immediately after pregnancy. Over the course of their pregnancy,
researchers observed significant changes in health, including decline in the
ability to perform daily functions and increased signs of depression, both
of which improved during the postpartum period. However for some, these
health problems can also extend into postpartum.
Women who reported insufficient money for food and housing, and lack of
exercise, were most associated with poor health, before, after and during
pregnancy. The article states that "depression is more common among
disadvantaged and minority women."
Exercise is recommended and seen as an effective way to counter or prevent
these changes. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology endorses
this and suggests 30 minutes of moderate exercise for pregnant women on
most, if not all, days of the week.
"These results can be used to guide the expectations of women, their
providers and policies around functional status during pregnancy," states
lead researcher, Dr. Jennifer Haas. Statistics show that over 90% of women
in the work force continue to work up to the month before delivery. Of the
60% of women who return to work in the year after delivery, two thirds
return to work within three months. The data from the study could
ultimately affect public policies such as work leave for mothers-to-be.
While the association between exercise and significant health benefits for
pregnant women is shown here, the relationship has not yet been established
as causal.
About the Author
Jennifer S. Haas, MD, MSPH received her degrees from theHarvard Medical
School and the Harvard School of Public Health, respectively. She currently
works in the Division of General Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in
Boston, MA and is presently Associate Professor of
Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Haas can be reached for questions
and interviews at 617-732-7063or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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