Many years ago, scientists discovered that when mothers engage in physical activity, it can have a positive impact on the development of their baby's brain—specifically, by promoting the growth of nerve cells in the hippocampus. This means that the offspring tend to have better memory and learning abilities.
In one study titled "Mom and Rat Treadmill, Baby Remembers Well," researchers observed that pregnant rats were made to run on a treadmill for 30 minutes daily at moderate intensity. The speed varied: 3 meters per minute for the first 5 minutes, then 5 meters per minute for the next 5 minutes, and finally 8 meters per minute for the last 20 minutes. The mice ran throughout their pregnancy and gave birth after 7 days of running. When the babies reached 21 days old, they were tested on their ability to remember an electric shock. The results showed a difference in memory between the offspring of exercising and non-exercising mothers.
Another study focused on spatial learning. Researchers placed the offspring of active mothers in a maze and measured how quickly they could find a reward. The maze wasn't simple—it required the mice to learn the correct path over time. This test also showed improved cognitive performance in the offspring of mothers who exercised.
In France, scientists conducted an experiment where pregnant mice were made to swim in a small pool (half a meter deep and 30 cm in diameter) for 10 minutes each day until birth. After 20 days, the mice were tested on their short-term memory, and their brains were examined for new nerve cell growth in the hippocampus. The results indicated that the offspring of the swimming mothers had better memory.
Some people might wonder why pigs aren’t used instead of mice. While pig experiments do exist, they are more complex and expensive. Rats, on the other hand, have well-established methods for measuring intelligence, making them a more practical choice for research.
Human studies are limited, but in 1999, a study with 60 pregnant women found that babies born to active mothers showed better spatial awareness and sensory responses. By the time the children were 5 years old, those from active mothers appeared to be more intelligent. However, this result may be influenced by other factors, such as family environment or parental interaction.
At the 2023 Neuroscience Congress in San Diego, Canadian scientists published a preliminary study where expectant mothers were encouraged to exercise moderately during the second and third trimesters. The results suggested that these babies had better cognitive and auditory memory development. Although promising, the sample size was small, and further follow-up is needed to confirm long-term effects.
While the research is encouraging, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Many variables can influence a child’s development, and more studies are needed. That said, staying active during pregnancy has clear benefits for the mother, including improved mood, energy levels, and overall health.
So, if you're expecting, consider keeping up with light exercise—but always consult your doctor first. Some conditions, like cervical insufficiency, bleeding, heart disease, or placenta previa, may make exercise unsafe. If you’ve never exercised before, start gently with walking or yoga. Avoid high-impact or high-risk activities, and listen to your body.
If you’re unsure whether you’re overdoing it, here are some signs to watch for: excessive sweating, dizziness, shortness of breath, pain, contractions, or any unusual discharge. If you experience any of these, stop and seek medical advice.
Finally, even if you can’t move much, there are still ways to support your body. Pelvic floor exercises, for example, can help with bladder control and recovery after childbirth. And stretching can ease back pain. Just remember: the goal is to feel good, not to push yourself too hard.
So, what’s your plan? Whether it’s walking, yoga, or just gentle movement, staying active during pregnancy can be a great way to prepare for the journey ahead.
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