Light exercise during pregnancy can help the future health of a child, say researchers.
Overweight mothers are more likely to have larger babies who could be at higher risk of health problems later in life.
A study of 84 first-time mothers found exercise was associated with slightly lighter babies. UK guidelines recommend women not to overeat during pregnancy and take regular light exercise.
Half the pregnant women in the joint study between the University of Auckland and Northern Arizona University were asked to use exercise bikes for five 40-minute sessions each week.
On average, the exercising women had babies who were no shorter than the non-exercising women, but who were 0.32 lb (143 grams) lighter.
Dr Paul Hofman who led the study said: “Given that large birth size is associated with increased risk of obesity, a modest reduction in birth weight may have long-term health benefits for offspring by lowering their risk later in life.”
The study findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
This article first appeared in issue 11 of benhealth, the magazine for Benenden Healthcare members.
