Article 1
This article promotes exercise for pregnant mothers. It states the many benefits associated with exercise during pregnancy in contrast to a few unlikely risk factors. The gist of the article is that extensive research over the past decade has shown that physical activity during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for both the mother and the baby. Most pregnancies are complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus, but regular exercise can help prevent this (GDM). Strength training focusing on the major muscle groups has been linked to improved glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity, which contribute to more normal blood sugar levels. In addition, pregnant women who exercise have a far lower risk of developing preeclampsia and having a cesarean birth. Pregnant women who exercise have a lower risk of having infants that are too tiny for their gestational age or small for gestational age (SGA).
Article 2
A different article takes a different viewpoint from the first. While the first article encourages pregnant women to exercise, this article is more conservative as it promotes exercise but warns against overexertion by pregnant women. The article discusses how prenatal mothers and their babies benefit greatly from regular physical activity. Women were once told it was unsafe to exercise while pregnant, but this view has been disproven by recent research. Macrosomia, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, cesarean section, low back pain, pelvic girdle discomfort, and urine incontinence are among conditions that can be mitigated with exercise during pregnancy. Even if a woman regularly engaged in strenuous exercise before becoming pregnant, she should still keep a close eye on her exercise routine during pregnancy. During this time, it’s crucial to keep yourself hydrated, avoid overexposure to heat and humidity, and prevent hypoglycemia. Diagnoses of placenta previa, incompetent cervix, second or third-trimester bleeding, premature rupture of membranes, early labor, substantial heart or lung disease, preeclampsia, or severe anemia are all absolute contraindications to exercise.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430821/
Article 3
A third article summarizes the benefits of a non-strenuous exercise routine for pregnant women. The report gives historical background on possible physical exercise hazards before listing its numerous physical and psychological benefits. Maintaining good physical condition, developing a sensible, healthy approach to exercise, increasing one’s comfort during pregnancy, proactively preparing for postpartum recovery, and sustaining the necessary muscular activity for the work of childbirth are all possible with a well-regulated, nonstrenuous exercise program initiated in the fourth month of pregnancy and continuing through the postpartum period. The regular whole-body workout gives her a sense of well-being and confidence that helps her look forward to giving birth.
https://www.glowm.com/section-view/heading/Exercise%20and%20Physical%20Activity%20During%20Pregnancy/item/98
These articles are similar in many ways. All three acknowledge the numerous benefits of exercise on pregnant women and the fetus. They state that many misconceptions and stereotypes regarding exertion in pregnancy exist owing to the gap in scientific research in this area that has lived for years. However, they also affirm that more recent research has been done on this area, and it is no longer a grey area. Owing to this research, it has been discovered that exercising during pregnancy is mainly beneficial if it is done according to a qualified medical practitioner’s advice in obstetrics. The articles also show a certain degree of contrast. Articles 1 and 3 encourage pregnant women to exercise. Article 2 is more conservative, focusing on the risks associated with exertion during gestation. The third article gives a detailed historical background, while the other pieces do not.
Personal opinion
In my opinion, exercise during pregnancy has many positive effects and very few negative ones. Women who are pregnant should try exercising. Babies born to regularly exercising mothers are less likely to be born prematurely or with low birth weight. Decreased risks of complications during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia, are a significant perk of exercising during pregnancy that all women of reproductive age should tap into. Regular exercise, even in the first trimester, has been linked to reduced morning sickness and increased energy levels. Despite the many health benefits, pregnant women should exercise with caution and awareness of potential hazards. Thermoregulation during exercise and its possible effect on fetal temperature is of concern during pregnancy because of the higher metabolic rate. For the sake of both comfort and safety, pregnant exercisers should drink enough water.
Influence of this information on nursing practice
This information could be very influential in nursing practice. The primary role of a nurse is to improve the comfort of the patient and facilitate their recovery back to good health or help them to maintain good health. Since exercise is beneficial to pregnant mothers, nurses must be trained in the field of obstetric exercise routines and their benefits. Introducing this as a unit in nursing curriculums could go a long way in ensuring the new cohorts of nurses are well-equipped to help pregnant mothers maintain good health during pregnancy through exercise. For nurses that have already been certified and are actively practicing, relevant bodies in conjunction with hospitals should introduce training programs to equip them with skills in obstetric exercise. Generally, the attitude of nurses towards exertion for pregnant women will change drastically from the traditionally conservative nature that has predominated in distant history. Consequently, antenatal and postnatal nursing care quality is expected to improve dramatically, and maternal, and child health is expected to follow a similar upward trajectory.
References
Benefits and risks of exercise during pregnancy. HealthEngine Blog. (2019, March 21). Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://healthinfo.healthengine.com.au/benefits-and-risks-of-exercise-during-pregnancy
Shrock, P. (n.d.). The Global Library of Women’s Medicine’s. Global Library of Women Medicine. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://www.glowm.com/section-view/heading/Exercise%20and%20Physical%20Activity%20During%20Pregnancy/item/98
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Home – books – NCBI. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books