BellyitchBlog

Women need to plan how many children they intend to have their entire life, a new report from an OBGYN practitioners association recommends.

A new committee opinion released by the Association Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) says that each visit at an OBGYN must include discussion about reproductive plans for life.

The group defines “reproductive life plan” as “a set of personal goals regarding whether, when, and how to have children based on individual priorities, resources, and values.”

Each year, approximately 51 percent of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. There are serious repercussions obviously from unplanned pregnancies, but the group understands that limited access to contraception, inconsistent use of protection, or even lack of education.

So doctor visits open up an opportune time for education.

The group recommends that medical professionals offer contraceptive advice, share information about all available contraceptive methods, educate women on the importance of child spacing, make women aware of affordable contraceptive options and support initiatives that break down racial, socio economical and ethnic inequalities that contribute to unplanned pregnancy rates.

They also need to make sure women have an understanding about spacing pregnancies as well.

ACOG recommends that each woman think about not just a short-term plan, but a long-term roadmap as well.

Bellyitch Rewind

Though exercise during pregnancy has proven benefits for healthy women, many still fear it, according to a new study.

“Despite what we have said over the last 10 years, pregnant women are still afraid exercise is going to hurt their child,” says researcher Melissa J. Hague, MD, a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita.

In her study of 90 women, she found many regular exercisers stopped working out when they became pregnant. Some told her they did not think exercising, even walking, was safe during pregnancy.

“I was really surprised,” she tells WebMD.

Hague presented her findings this week at the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in San Diego.

Exercise During Pregnancy: Expert Opinion

In 2002, ACOG issued an opinion about exercise during pregnancy. Recreational and competitive athletes without pregnancy complications can remain active with their doctor’s OK, it says. They should modify their workouts as medically indicated.

Inactive women should consult their doctors before starting a program, it says.

Moderate exercise for 30 minutes or more most or all days of the week appears safe for pregnant women without complications, it says. Activities with a high risk of falling, contact sports, and scuba diving should not be done

ACOG

OBGYN Group to Women: Plan How Many Kids You Want to Have for Life

STUDY: Pregnant Women Still Fear Exercising