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Recovery of Strength and Fitness after Pregnancy: How Long Does It Take?

In this study physical activity, fitness, and strength are measured before and after pregnancy. Changes in each area were compared with changes in body weight during pregnancy. Fitness and strength are normally linked together. Does this relationship hold true during pregnancy?

Healthy, adult women were put in three groups based on body weight. The three groups were low, normal, and high according to body mass index (BMI). Besides height and weight, body composition and bone mineral content were measured. Physical activity, fitness, and strength were also measured. All measurements were taken before pregnancy and again at six and 27 weeks after delivery.

The results showed that physical activity was higher in the group with low BMI. Fitness and strength decreased in all groups during pregnancy. Leg strength decreased even more than arm strength. This last finding surprised the researchers because the women were more active using their legs during home and walking activities.

Physical fitness and strength improved by week 27 but didn't return to normal. It isn't clear from this study how long it takes women to recover strength fully after pregnancy.

References: Margarita S. Treuth, PhD, et al. Pregnancy-Related Changes in Physical Activity, Fitness, and Strength. In Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Vol. 37. No. 5. Pp. 832-837.

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