Exercise can help boost baby's development

New research findings advocate the benefits of antenatal exercise.

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Exercising during pregnancy could benefit an unborn baby's health and physical development, a new study suggests. Researchers at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in the US found that women who exercised for a minimum of 30 minutes three times a week were more likely to give birth to a child with "more mature" breathing and nervous system.

"We tested foetal breathing movement and the way the baby's nervous system was developing," lead author of the report, Dr Linda May, explained.

"When we compared babies whose mothers exercised with babies whose mothers had not exercised we found wonderful differences."

The experts revealed that a variety of exercise types can be effective including running, aerobics and walking.

According to the NHS, antenatal swimming and yoga classes are great ways of giving the body a gentle workout during pregnancy, as well as offering expectant mums relaxation and natural relief from common aches and pains.