Should Pregnant Women Exercise? This is the Obgyn Doctor's explanation

Sport is an activity that has many health benefits. Coinciding with the moment of National Sports Day in September, this activity must still be instilled, especially for Moms who are reading this article.

The question is, should pregnant women continue to do sports in the midst of an 'uncomfortable' body condition? As the fetus grows, what are the right exercises for pregnant women and when is the ideal time?

Obstetrics and Gynecology (Obstetrics and Gynecology) Specialist at St. Hospital. Carolus dr. Ivanna Theresa S, SpOG said that pregnant women are advised to exercise because it has many benefits for the mother and also her future baby.

According to him, pregnant women can do sports as long as they do not have certain complaints that endanger health even though they are completely uncomfortable, pregnant women must keep moving and doing activities to maintain fitness.

"There is a saying that pregnant people can't sweep and they can't do anything, that's wrong. Because pregnant people don't get sick, so they have to keep active. If there are no complaints during pregnancy, there's no reason for pregnant women not to exercise," said dr. Ivanna Theresa S, SpOG in an interview session with Team MAKUKU Family some time ago.

Why Pregnant Women Should Exercise?

Going through the process of pregnancy is not an obstacle for Moms to exercise. As previously explained, exercise is good for pregnant women, especially in preparation for childbirth. When physical fitness is maintained, pregnant women will feel healthier as well as potential babies in the womb.

According to dr. Ivanna, pregnant women are advised to exercise at least 45 minutes to 1 hour a day, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy. At this time, Moms condition is more likely to exercise because the intensity of nausea or motion sickness is reduced.

In addition, the selection of the type of exercise must also be considered by pregnant women to minimize the risk of injury or make the body uncomfortable.

"What is the ideal duration of exercise for pregnant women? 45 minutes to 1 hour a day. What kind of exercise? According to the mother's ability," said dr. Ivanna.

Here are the health benefits of exercise for pregnant women:

• Maintain stamina
• Increase pregnant women's energy during pregnancy
• Maintain body fitness
• Prevents the risk of pregnancy complications
• Makes Moms More Prepared for Labor
• Maintain the ideal weight of pregnant women
• Manage stress much better
• Good for the heart health of pregnant women and fetuses
• Improve maternal and fetal blood circulation

According to dr. Ivanna, in addition to improving circulation, exercise makes the mother's heart trained so that it can distribute oxygen intake better for the fetus.

"And it will also increase the mother's stamina, so when the stomach is getting bigger, the baby is getting bigger, the mother is more ready to give birth," said dr.Ivanna

Pregnant women are prohibited from exercising if they have this condition…

Although exercise has many health benefits, it turns out that there are some conditions that make pregnant women not obliged to exercise. According to dr. Ivanna, pregnant with certain health conditions can leave this exercise habit. For this reason, pregnant women are required to consult a gynecologist to inquire about the development of their health condition.

"Then, what is the situation that is not allowed? Yes, if it is forbidden by the doctor, pregnant women should not exercise," said the doctor who also graduated from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist program at the University of Indonesia in 2014.

Here are some health conditions that make pregnant women not recommended to exercise, and it is necessary to consult a doctor about the forms of exercise that are allowed:

1. Have a history of heart disease or heart failure

Heart disease in pregnant women or commonly called Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) can endanger the health of the mother and her baby. In this condition, the heart muscle will weaken so that blood cannot be pumped throughout the body. Pregnant women with this condition are advised not to exercise because it can cause shortness of breath and complications in other symptoms.

"If she does exercise, it will be even more difficult. When she is pregnant, her heart is also heavy, especially when it is added with exercise," said dr. Ivanna.

2. Having a hand or foot disability

If pregnant women have a disability in certain organs so that the condition is not possible, then it is advisable not to exercise. However, it is possible that this condition makes pregnant women look for alternative sports that are tailored to their abilities.

"But doesn't it allow exercise? For example, for example, if your leg hurts, you can't walk, can you not exercise with your hands? Yes, the important thing is to adjust it," said dr. Ivanna

3. Active asthma

If pregnant women feel unfit, it is better to rest. Especially if pregnant women have a history of asthma, exercise during asthma tends to make the lungs work extra hard, causing fatigue. Wait until the body condition improves so that pregnant women can return to exercise.

4. Kidney failure and the risk of other serious diseases

Other severe comorbid conditions, it is still permissible to exercise, but the form of exercise can be adjusted, according to the instructions of the doctor.

Safe Choice of Sports for Pregnant Women

The doctor, who graduated from Obstetrics and Gynecology specialization at the University of Indonesia, advised pregnant women to continue to be consistent in exercising for the sake of a smooth delivery process in the future.

"So exercise is important for pregnant women, at least walking. In addition to duration, pregnant women must also maintain exercise consistency. The important thing is that it's routine, not just once or twice a week," said dr. Ivanna.

Here are some exercises that are safe for pregnant women to do.

Walk

The simplest type of exercise that pregnant women can do in Trimester 1, 2 and 3. No need to leave the house, Moms can walk around the house or yard for 30 minutes - 1 hour a day to maintain physical fitness.

Yoga

This sport is recommended for pregnant women because it is good for training body flexibility in preparation for childbirth. In addition, Yoga is also good for relaxation and getting rid of negative thoughts. When planning to do yoga, you should choose movements that suit your body condition.

"If you like yoga, is it okay? Yes, but we recommend yoga in the second trimester. Yoga must also be in accordance with the activities. Don't do a hand stand, don't. Anyway, it is adjusted to the condition of pregnant women," said dr. Ivanna

Pregnancy exercise

Just like walking, pregnancy exercise is a favorite sport that is safe for pregnant women at all ages of pregnancy. For pregnancy exercise movements, you can watch it on YouTube or look for the nearest gymnastics instructor.

In addition to those mentioned above, you can also do safe sports such as Pilates, Squat/hip tilt exercises, stationary bikes, or swimming.

"Is it okay to swim? Yes, so the important thing is that the duration is the same as consistency," added dr. Ivanna

So, are you ready to exercise? Keep up with interesting information and other parenting tips through the Makuku.co.id website or follow our Instagram account at @makuku.indonesia.official

Reference :

Interview Transcript with dr. Ivanna Theresa SpoG

https://www.kompas.com/parapuan/read/532578999/wajib-tahu-4-kondisi-ini-bikin-ibu-hamil-dilarang-berolahraga-apa-saja

https://hellosehat.com/kehamilan/kandungan/olahraga-untuk-ibu-hamil/

https://www.alodokter.com/8-manfaat-olahraga-bagi-ibu-hamil

Reviewed by:

dr. Noviyani Sugiarto, SpOG RS Carolus Jakarta dr. Noviyani Sugiarto, SpOG is a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Obstetrics and Gynecology) who practices at St. Carolus Hospital. She graduated from General Practitioner from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia in 2010 and specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia in 2018. She is a female obstetrician and gynecologist who has a great passion for the world of fetomaternal and obstetrics/gynecology ultrasound, cases - cases of fertility and infertility (fertility), problems in the womb and the world of reproduction, as well as pregnancy with various complications.