Weight training causes placental abruption????

[FiddleFit]

Hi,

I picked up a few pregnancy books from the library yesterday, and one of them is written by Bonnie Berk, called "Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan", 2005. In a short blurb on weight training, she states that:

"Pregnancy is a time to maintain fitness, not strive for great gains. I recommend performing one set of each exercise for 15 to 20 repetitions. Be sure to exhale on the effort, and never hold your breath. Holding the breath while lifiting weights could increase the risk of the placenta separating from the uterine wall....It is always a good idea to have a trainer work with you if you choose to continue weight training throughout your pregnancy" (p. 78).

This is an alarming statement, and I feel it is misleading. Perhaps Sheila can clarify this? Personally I think this is another example of poor research, as this author does not distinguish between forms of weight training. She appears to equate weight training with aggressive body-building workouts, and doesn't consider that within the realm of weight training there are much less intense versions that are genuinely beneficial to the pregnant woman. This is the sort of unfounded advice that scares women away from exercise.

Sheila, is there any truth to what she's saying? I don't want to do anything that's going to hurt my baby, but I refuse to believe that I need to live like a china doll. If I'm wrong, please feel free to set me straight

Cheers,
Sandra

 

[dananmis22]

I would also like to know. When I read/hear stuff like this, I roll my eyes, but I don't know what truth there is. I just don't see how any of the muscles in your arms or legs, or stomach for that matter, can affect your placenta in any way. They are not connected. Please clarify this for us!
Missy

 

[JulieL]

I sincerely doubt it as I told my OBGYN what I was doing - and when I mentioned weight lifting she asked how much, and then told me to reduce it - she mentioned nothing of the sort. And I think it would be her job to or else I could techniquely possibly sue her. Yeah and many places they say don't raise the heartrate over 140 too. Take it with a grain of salt but as your doc anyway.

 

[wendymin72]

I believe that you shouldn't lift as heavy as you normally would but I don't believe that ANY form of weight training is dangerous. I think this author should have been more specific. I lifted weights through out. Started out WAY light in the beginning and then actually added weight back on as I became less nervous about it. I never went to my limit but I am still challenging myself and no harm has been done....

Wendy

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img]
EDD: 05/19/05

8 month pic just added! EEK! lol http://www.PictureTrail.com/wendymin