According to Danish researchers arduous exercises during early pregnancy can triple the risk of miscarriage. More than seven hours of exercise a week including jogging, ball games, and racket sports can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. Though, one UK expert is not in agreement with the findings of the study carried out at the University of Southern Denmark, arguing that running is perfectly safe during pregnancy. Studies have shown that more than three quarters of miscarriages occur during the first trimester. Spontaneous abortion can occur due to various reasons; unfortunately not all can be identified. After the 8th week, the risk of miscarriage decreases sharply (when the fetal stage begins) and after the 18-week mark, the link between exercise and miscarriage disappears. Don’t fret, not all exercises are bad news for pregnant women, swimming in fact is very popular among mothers-to-be. The government’s official advice is for women to keep up their normal daily physical exercise routine for as long as they don’t strain themselves. Alison Merry, a former midwife is of the opinion that moderate exercise everyday is perfectly safe during pregnancy. She says, the benefits of exercising during pregnancy are clear – it improves the cardiovascular system, and maintains muscle tone. So, if you are woman who has always exercised, continue to do so even after becoming pregnant, but only as long as you are comfortable doing so. After all, there is no point in making oneself prone to miscarriage, because apart from causing physical trauma, miscarriage causes immense emotional pain too.
