Playing sports during pregnancy can prevent gestational diabetes
Obese women are more likely to developgestational diabetesduring pregnancy. The occurrence of this diabetes is most often due to the hormonal peak caused by pregnancy. Playing sportswould greatly reduce this risk.
A team of Norwegian researchers, led by Dr. Trine Moholdt, conducted a study to understand the effects of exercise during pregnancy on gestational diabetes(1). For this, they conducted their study on 91 obese and pregnant women that they divided into 2 distinct groups. The women in the first group had 1 hour of sport every 3 days consisting of 35 minutes of walking on a treadmill and 25 minutes of muscular exercises, while the women in the 2nd groupremained sedentary.
The results
The results of the study prove that sport is beneficial for health. Indeed, it was observed that in the group of women who exercised physical activity during pregnancy, only 2 developed gestational diabetes, compared to 9 in the sedentary group. A decrease in blood pressure has even been noticed in “sportswomen”.
Of course, before any exercise company during your pregnancy, we recommend that you take advice from your doctor.
The risks of gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is not to be taken lightly. It can have serious consequences for both the baby and the mother. Indeed, as recalled by the French Federation of Diabetics(2), this pathology can lead to weight andexcessive growth of the baby (weight greater than 4 kg) leading to a difficult delivery and other complications such as respiratory distress for example.
There are also risks for the mother such as preeclampsia (gestational hypertension and proteinuria) that can lead to edema, premature delivery, cesarean delivery, or the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.
The control of risk factors for gestational diabetes therefore requiresabove all a better lifestyleincluding an adapted diet and of course regular physical activity, regular monitoring by a multidisciplinary team for women at risk (obese women or women with a family or personal history of diabetes, as well as women aged 35 and over).
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.