Light exercise during pregnancy could improve the future health of your baby by controlling its weight in the womb, researchers in New Zealand and the US have found.
Half the mums-to-be in the study maintained a programme of exercise until the 36th week of pregnancy, and had on average, babies 0.32lb lighter than their non-exercising counterparts.
Researchers reckon exercise during pregnancy reduces the amount of extra fat laid down by the babies, rather than stunting their growth within the womb.
Dr Paul Hofman who led the study thinks the findings could help improve the future health of children, concluding, "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.”
Keep fit during your nine months with our complete guide to pregnancy fitness here.
