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Hanover (dpa) - Pregnant women should exercise regularly to improve their overall well-being and to allay the pain of pregnancy, specialists at Germany's state health insurer in Hanover advise.
Regular workouts generally lead to pregnancies without complications and easier delivery. Exercise reduces cramping of the calves, fatigue, back pain and swollen legs. In addition babies born to active women tend to be stronger and healthier.
Mothers-to-be are encouraged to take up light endurance sports such as water aerobics, walking or cycling. Stretching exercises also are beneficial. Toward the end of the pregnancy going for a swim or taking a walk are sufficient ways to get exercise.
Regardless of the type of exercise, women should be cautious not to fall or let their bodies take too much impact or do sports that involve abrupt movements. Horseback riding, squash, tennis and volleyball, for example, could be detrimental to the pregnancy.
Copyright 2006 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
