A set of guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy was released by the Department of Health earlier this month to coincide with Mother’s Day.
Lead author of the guidelines, Wendy Brown from the University of Queensland’s School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, said they recommended that women who were active before pregnancy should continue with physical activity while carrying their baby.
“If you were inactive before pregnancy, start slowly and build up your activity to meet the recommendations,” Professor Brown said.
“As your body changes during pregnancy, you may need to adapt your activities, listen to your body and chat with your health professional for more help.”
Co-author, Melanie Hayman from Central Queensland University, said the guidelines provided best practice recommendations for how Australians should be physically active during pregnancy and in the post-partum period.
“These guidelines are applicable to all Australians who are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, as well as health professionals who provide care during pregnancy,” Dr Hayman said.
“They may be used to encourage pregnant people to achieve levels of physical activity recommended for optimal health for them and their baby.”
In addition to the national health guidelines, Dr Hayman said the first Australian physical activity-exercise screening tool was released.
The screening tool is a user-friendly, evidence-based resource that can be used to help guide and support health professionals in physical activity and provide exercise advice for pregnant women.
The 7-page guideline can be accessed at this PS News link.
