Moderate exercise for pregnant women is advised by doctors. To support this, even the recent study conducted by lead author of the study Gema Sanabria-Martinez from Virgen de la Luz Hospital in has revealed that little exercise during pregnancy can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and also helps to reduce maternal weight gain.

Gestational diabetes is one of the common complications of pregnancy which leads to increased risk of serious disorders such as hypertension, preterm birth, and with induced or caesarean birth. The study included 13 trials on 2, 800 women and found that exercising while pregnant reduced the risk of gestational diabetes by more than 30 percent. This effect was strongest for women who combined toning, strength, flexibility and aerobic exercise.

Gestational diabetes not only effects the mother, it also shows negative impact on child. The children of mothers with gestational diabetes ate more likely to become obese and have higher risk of developing diabetes themselves. So, experts suggest moderate exercise for women throughout their pregnancy.

The findings were published in British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

By Lizitha