Presentation Information

Maternal lifestyle intervention to prevent obesity in both mom and baby

• Speaker: Michelle F. Mottola , PhD, FACSM
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

The importance of physical activity among women of childbearing age will be discussed as physical inactivity during pregnancy and postpartum may be one potential pathway for obesity development by excessive pregnancy weight gain and postpartum weight retention. There is also a robust link between the fetal environment and the long-term influence on health and future chronic disease in the offspring. Promotion of active living and lifestyle change, while potentially overcoming barriers to a healthier lifestyle during this time period will be presented. Participants will be able to promote physical activity for pregnant women to help them exercise safely and be more active by using the Canadian guidelines for exercise during pregnancy: the PARmed-X for Pregnancy; http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/publications/parq/parmed-xpreg.pdf . The PARmed-X for pregnancy is a tool for medical screening before beginning or continuing an exercise program and also contains guidelines for aerobic and muscle conditioning exercise prescription. Targeting pregnant women with a healthy lifestyle approach may help slow down the obesity epidemic for both mom and her child. Healthy moms = healthy babies!