High cholesterol has been linked to such pregnancy complications as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. When researchers at Seattle's Swedish Medical Center studied women in their first trimester, they found that cholesterol was lowest in those who exercised more than an hour each day, although study author Carole Butler, MPH, says that there appears to be ample benefit from just 30 minutes of exercise. Cholesterol levels were lower in all of the regular exercisers, regardless of workout intensity. (American Journal of Epidemiology)
BabyFit Tip: Exercise is an important part of pregnancy, whether you were active prior to conception or not. Read "Exercising For Two" for ideas on how to get started on your own exercise program.
