Julie, the owner of CNW followed a prenatal nutrition and exercise program. For part of her exercise program, Julie did try out prenatal yoga, and although relaxing, she didn’t feel like there was enough physical exertion for her, as she was exercising at a high level before her pregnancy. So, instead of prenatal classes, she took advanced levels such as 2/3 flow classes right up until the last week before delivering her son, Devin. Along with her nutrition program (customized for Julie’s pregnancy and revised every 6 weeks), Julie was able to perform some exercises that many adults still can’t perform without being pregnant. She was an inspiration to so many. Hopefully these photos will help to inspire you to stay active during your pregnancy….it can only help to make labor and delivery easier for you and most important – if you are fit before delivery, it will help whip you back into shape quicker after the delivery of your beautiful bundle!!

Julie Eltman, MPH, RD at 8 Months Pregnant with Baby Devin

Most women know that exercise is beneficial. Yet, once pregnant, many women wonder about the safety of exercise to her and her baby. The truth is that exercise will make the pregnancy easier. However, exercising during pregnancy is a special situation and should be approached with caution.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE TO THE FETUS

Rest assured that exercise is beneficial to the mother and, therefore, likely to be beneficial to the fetus for having a healthy mother. There are a few studies that have shown some direct benefits to the fetus.

1. Higher Apgar Scores - Some studies indicate that babies are stronger immediately following birth when the mother has regularly exercised.
2. Bigger Healthier Babies - One study found that exercisers delivered babies who weighed around 5% more (and sometimes higher), than babies born to sedentary mothers.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE TO THE MOTHER
The benefits of exercise to healthy, pregnant women have been greatly documented. These benefits include:

1. Better management of the extra weight of pregnancy with increased aerobic conditioning and stamina.
2. Tolerating labor better, emotionally and physically.
3. Increased muscular strength and endurance (for those who participate in a moderate strength training program).
4. Decreased chances of unhealthy weight gain.
5. Quicker recovery from childbirth and quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight. Reduced incidence of hemorrhoids, varicose veins, backache, and fatigue.

RISKS OF EXERCISE TO THE FETUS
Several risks have been suggested as possibilities, though none have been proven. Also, there are modifications to exercise that are suggested in order to reduce these risky situations.

1. Excessive body core temperature may lead to birth defects. All pregnant women should completely avoid using hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis.
2. Restriction of oxygen supply to the fetus. But, it is also suggested that the large increase in blood volume during pregnancy protects the fetus from this situation.
3. Deprivation of blood sugar to the fetus. Prolonged exercise is not recommended and no scientific studies or research have shown a link between mom's exercise and the fetus experiencing low blood sugar and associated complications.

RISKS OF EXERCISE TO THE MOTHER

1. Joint and connective tissue injury. During pregnancy, the hormones loosen the ligaments and joints to allow easier delivery. Also, the extra weight of the breasts and uterus throw off the center of gravity and balance. Therefore, women are discouraged from participating in activities that are particularly jarring or have risk of falling. Some that should be avoided are in-line skating, bike riding, skiing, horseback riding, step, and other high impact aerobics.
2. Scuba diving should also be completely avoided while pregnant.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Women with the following conditions should consult a physician before exercising:

1. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
2. Anemia or other blood disorders
3. Digestive disorders
4. Diabetes
5. Palpitations or irregular heart rhythm
6. Breech presentation in the last trimester
7. Excessive obesity
8. Extremely underweight
9. Other medical complications or disease
10. History of precipitous labor, (less than 3 hours), intrauterine growth retardation, bleeding during present pregnancy or an extremely sedentary lifestyle.

Women with the following conditions should not participate in exercise while pregnant:

1. Heart disease
2. Ruptured membranes
3. Premature labor
4. Faintness or dizziness
5. Bleeding or a diagnosis placenta previa
6. Rapid heart rate or palpitations