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Here is another study indicating that physical exercise during pregnancy is a good idea. New research results indicate that stretching may be a better strategy than walking in preventing preeclampsia - at least in women who were not physically active prior to pregnancy and who had a previous history of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a condition wherein a pregnant woman’s blood pressure dramatically increases several times within a short period of time, causing hypertension, swelling, and kidney damage. According to FamilyDoctor.org, preeclampsia commonly occurs

• during first pregnancy
• in multiple pregnancies
• during the second half of a pregnancy
• in women with family history of preeclampsia
• in pregnant women under twenty and over 40
• in women with hypertension or kidney problems before pregnancy
• in women who lead a sedentary lifestyle before pregnancy.

The cause of preeclampsia is not known. However, it presents a serious risk to the mother and to the baby, making it one of “the leading causes of maternal and fetal illness and death worldwide”

While carrying my twins, I had the first 2 risk factors on the list. My blood pressure was closely monitored and I was extremely thankful that I did not develop this dangerous pregnancy complication.

The current study followed up 79 women who had previously experienced preeclampsia and had a sedentary lifestyle. These women were split into 2 groups. One group did a 40-minute moderate intensity walk 5 times a week. The other group did slow, non-aerobic stretching exercises following a 40-minute video 5 times a week.

The results of the study show that 15% of the walking group developed pregnancy-induced hypertension while on 5% of the stretching group had it.

While walking showed some beneficial effects on maternal health in general, it seems that stretching had a more protective effect against preeclampsia in this group of women.

The researchers speculate that stretching may induce more production of transferrin, “a plasma protein that transports iron through the blood and protects against oxidative stress on the body, and that helps guard against preeclampsia.”

However, in all cases, any form of physical exercise regime during pregnancy should only be performed after consultation with your obstetrician.

Tags: exercise, hypertension, preeclampsia, stretching, walking