Light exercise during pregnancy may improve the future health of a child by controlling weight in the womb
Researchers in New Zealand and US say that their study of 84 first-time mums found exercise was associated with slightly lighter babies. Exercise appeared to reduce the amount of extra fat laid down by the babies The researchers claim that overweight mums are more likely to have bigger babies who might be at higher risk of health problems later in life.
There is growing evidence that the future metabolism of a child may well be influenced by its environment in the womb, and that babies who are heavy for their length may be more likely to be obese in the future.
Official guidance in the UK encourages women not to overeat during pregnancy, and wherever possible, to take regular light exercise.
The joint research project between the University of Auckland and Northern Arizona University recruited pregnant women, half of whom were asked to use exercise bikes for five 40 minute sessions each week. The women were asked to carry on this exercise until at least the 36th week of pregnancy.
The exercising women had, on average, babies who were 143 grams lighter that their non-exercising counterparts. The exercise did not appear to interfere with the natural changes in the mother's response to the hormone insulin, a necessary mechanism in pregnancy to make sure the foetus is properly nourished.
Dr Paul Hofman, who led the study, said: "Given that large birth size is associated with increased risk of obesity, a modest reduction in birth weight may have long-term health benefits for offspring by lowering this risk later in life."
April 2010
The research results were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. | 
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