The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advised pregnant women to exercise more often because nearly half of US women gain too much weight while they’re pregnant. Obese expecting mothers “have higher rates of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth and babies with birth defects.” Furthermore, obese pregnant women “can suffer heart problems, sleep apnea, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and blood clots.” They are also more likely to need caesarian sections. ACOG says that walking is the best form of exercise, but running, jogging, Pilates and yoga are also acceptable, as are “cycling, swimming, and other forms of exercise that a woman is already used to.” The group does not recommend skiing, contact sports, nor scuba diving, and “after the first trimester, avoid doing any exercises on your back.”
