There's more evidence of the need for pregnant women to stay active during their pregnancy.
Researchers in London and Spain say women who are expecting should, whenever they can, exercise in order to stave off high blood pressure, excessive weight gain, and oversized babies.
The study by researchers at Western University and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid found that without exercise during pregnancy, women are three times more likely to develop high blood pressure, 1.5 times more likely to gain excessive weight, and 2.5 times more likely to give birth to oversize babies.
According to Michelle Mottola, a professor in Western's School of Kinesiology, pregnant women should set a goal of walking 10,000 steps a day. The alternative is a higher risk of long-term health effects for both them and their children.
"You can greatly improve your fitness level by walking," says Mottola. "Many people think that you have to go to the gym and sweat– and yes, that's true for some people – but walking will also give you great aerobic benefit. It's very important to be physically active during pregnancy. We suggest 10,000 steps a day. If you can walk 10,000 steps a day, that's incredible."
Mottalo says the research found that oversize babies are at a higher risk of future health problems like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
The study was published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.