An increased exercise during the first trimester of pregnancy could decrease the expectant mom's gestational diabetes risk. Research proves that doing moderate-intensity exercise per day for at least 38 minutes could lower their risk than the current recommendations. Other than that, the pregnant woman could also decrease their risk of having abnormal sugar levels.
Exercise at least 38 minutes each day during the first trimester
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Department of Public Health assistant professor Samantha Ehrlich led new research about the link between increased exercise and decreased diabetes risk. The study noted how working out for at least 38 minutes every day is better than the current recommendations.
Gestational diabetes is a condition wherein the sugar levels in the blood increase during pregnancy and could lead to complications.
While gestational diabetes may go away upon giving birth, being diagnosed with the condition could affect the baby. Other than that, the woman could have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Pregnant women benefit from exercise
Ehrlich said that everyone knows how a pregnant woman benefits from doing exercise. She explained that working out helps avoid gestational diabetes, but they should note that they have to do a little more than what is currently recommended.
The research team studied pregnant women and have them self-report how much workout they did. They asked the subjects indicate the number of minutes of exercise they did per day during their first trimester of pregnancy.
Read also: 32 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms of Pregnancy and Hospital Bag Checklist That You Have to Ready
Lower risk of gestational diabetes and abnormal blood sugar levels
The team found that pregnant women who exercised for at least 38 minutes each day had a lowered risk of gestational diabetes. They noted that among 100 women, 2.1 cases had decreased their chances of developing diabetes during pregnancy.
The research team also found that 4.8 cases per 100 women have lowered the risk of abnormal blood sugar. Ehrlich stated the fact that six to ten women for every hundred get gestational diabetes. She explained that it is a "clear benefit" if being more active could decrease the number by two women for every 100.
Published on December 21, the study analyzes data for the Pregnancy Environment and Lifestyle Study (PETALS). It is a longitudinal study that allows 2,246 pregnant women from Kaiser Permanente Northern California to answer a physical activity questionnaire.
The racially and ethnically diverse subjects have a wide range of pre-pregnancy weight classifications.
The authors of the study suggest changes in the current recommendations to help pregnant women benefit more. They believe that by doing so, it could help improve women's chances of avoiding gestational diabetes by exercising more.
As always, the right amount of exercise is certainly beneficial, especially for expecting mothers and their children. However, you should always consult your physician prior to beginning an exercise routine.
