Pregnant women will receive a 4D ultrasound, clinical evaluation and personalized physical activity plan through the new Exercise in Pregnancy Clinic.Two UAB Medicine physicians want pregnant women to add another prescription to their medical care. An exercise prescription.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends physical activity and exercise during pregnancy, yet many pregnant patients are not provided with adequate exercise recommendations.
Sara Gould, M.D., associate professor in the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Chase Cawyer, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, established the new Exercise in Pregnancy Clinic at UAB Hospital-Highlands to combat physical inactivity in pregnancy.
“Exercising throughout one’s life, including during pregnancy, can help maintain heart fitness, reduce obesity and related conditions, and prevent pregnancy complications,” Cawyer said. “The Exercise in Pregnancy Clinic bridges the gap between physician recommendations and actionable plans for pregnant women.”
Physical inactivity is among the top five reasons women die young. Exercise provides an essential component for a healthy and long life. In pregnancy, exercise lowers one’s risk for a range of pregnancy complications, improves a woman’s overall health and helps with postpartum recovery.
Studies showed physical inactivity during pregnancy can cause maternal obesity and creates a higher risk for preterm birth, emergency cesarean delivery and preeclampsia. Sedentary pregnant patients are also more likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus, a condition where hormones from the placenta prevent the body from effectively using insulin. GDM, while manageable, increases one’s risk of a cesarean birth, serious breathing difficulties and developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Additionally, the United States has seen a growing problem of obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy, leading to severe health risks for mother and fetus, even with strong recommendations from ACOG to exercise during pregnancy. In a study, Gould evaluated why many pregnant women were not meeting exercise guidelines and obstetricians’ beliefs and recommendations regarding exercise during pregnancy.
Sara Gould, M.D., and Chase Cawyer, M.D.
(Photography: Steve Wood and Nik Layman)“Exercise is a known way to combat the obesity and excessive weight gain epidemic, but surveys showed many providers were not providing adequate and thorough exercise recommendations to their patients,” Gould said. “While following guidelines, most providers advised patients with uncomplicated pregnancies to continue their current workout routines. This advice did not account for many pregnant women, especially those who are overweight, who did not have consistent healthy habits pre-pregnancy.”
Physical activity not only lowers risk of pregnancy complications, but also helps women adjust to the numerous physiological changes their bodies undergo in pregnancy. More than 60 percent of pregnant patients experience back pain due to weight gain and increased pressure on joints and the spine. Strengthening abdominal and back muscles through exercise can mitigate the pain. Women also experience respiratory changes while pregnant. Being able to provide ample oxygen to the fetus is important for a healthy pregnancy. Aerobic training throughout pregnancy can increase aerobic capacity in pregnant women and improve oxygen levels.
While exercise is beneficial for pregnant women and poses minimal risks, ACOG also recommends providers evaluate patients to establish an exercise routine and ensure there is not a medical reason to avoid exercise. Exercise in Pregnancy participants will receive a clinical evaluation, including a four-dimensional ultrasound and fitness testing. Cawyer and Gould will then evaluate the participant’s results and history and develop a personalized exercise plan. Participants will attend the clinic once a trimester for reevaluation and to adjust plans as physiological changes occur.
Those who are interested in learning more about the Exercise in Pregnancy Clinic or would like to schedule an appointment may call 205-930-8339.
“The program is a great opportunity for all pregnant women to learn how to safely exercise during their pregnancy,” Gould said. “It is also an opportunity for those who may never have exercised before to learn how to establish healthy habits they can continue postpartum.”
Those who are interested in learning more about the Exercise in Pregnancy Clinic or would like to schedule an appointment may call 205-930-8339.