The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine published a new fact sheet for clinicians on physical activity recommendations during the perinatal period—one year before conception to one year after pregnancy. Adequate aerobic activity and strength training during pregnancy and in the postpartum period can support maternal physical and mental health by supporting a shorter labor and faster recovery, and reducing risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and postpartum depression. It also supports healthy fetal outcomes. Despite this, only 25% of women of child bearing age in the US meet physical activity recommendations. Guidelines for women in the perinatal period are generally the same as they are for the rest of the healthy adult population: at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity. Aerobic activity ranging from light to vigorous intensity and strength training is recommended for women trying to conceive and postpartum women. Pregnant women should incorporate moderate intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activity two days a week. Nearly all activities are safe during pregnancy, but some should be avoided if they pose a high risk for injury (like skiing or contact sports) or may impair blood flow to the fetus (like laying flat on the back).
The fact sheet also provides steps for physicians to engage perinatal patients on physical activity and resources they can recommend to patients. The fact sheet was developed by Hannah Thompson from the University of California, Berkeley and the Nutrition Policy Institute, Cecelia Zielke from UC Berkeley, Mibhali Bhalala from the Permanente Medical Group, and Sylvia Badon from Kaiser Permanente.