How can women give their newborn infants a head start on motor skills? Aerobic exercise during pregnancy may help, according to a study published in the August 2019 edition of the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. One-month-old infants whose mothers engaged in supervised aerobic exercise during pregnancy scored higher on the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales’ Gross Motor Quotient than babies whose mothers participated only in a stretching and breathing program.  The authors note that in previous studies, higher motor skills in infancy are associated with higher rates of physical activity in childhood and later in life. Physical activity is important for overall health throughout the lifecycle and supervised aerobic exercise during pregnancy stands to benefit the health of both the mother and her infant.

The Aultman Therapy Services Department encourages pregnant women to attend our prenatal and postpartum aquatic exercise class. The class is offered on Monday evenings at Aultman Massillon from 6 – 7 p.m. in our olympic-length, warm water (86-88 degrees) therapeutic pool. Betsy Spaulding, a certified lifeguard who holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education, has led this exercise class for more than 15 years.

“One of the biggest benefits of aquatic aerobic exercise is that the water has a buoyant effect that helps avoid excessive joint pressures that can occur with high impact, land-based aerobic activities,” she said. “This can make exercising in water while pregnant much more comfortable.”

Another benefit of the class is the social connections that develop. One class even delighted Betsy by bringing their babies in as a group to meet her! Longstanding friendships and connections are often formed, and many women return to the class during subsequent pregnancies.  

If you are expecting, consider an aquatic therapy class at Aultman Massillon Therapy to create a foundation for physical activity for your child. For every participant’s safety, physician approval is required to participate in the class. The cost for five sessions is just $35. Register by calling Aultman Family Education at 330-363-6290.

Submitted by: Aultman Therapy Services