Exercise in Pregnancy: Guidelines and Benefits for Expecting Mothers

Question 1

During pregnancy, what physiological adaptation helps increase blood flow to the uterus and developing fetus?

Accepted Answer

Increased cardiac output

Answer

Increased peripheral resistance

Answer

Decreased heart rate

Answer

Decreased blood pressure

Question 2

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), what is the recommended weekly amount of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for pregnant women without contraindications?

Accepted Answer

At least 150 minutes

Answer

300 minutes

Answer

Unlimited

Answer

75 minutes

Question 3

Which exercise is generally considered safe throughout all trimesters of pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Swimming

Answer

Contact sports

Answer

Heavy weightlifting

Answer

Running

Question 4

Which hormone is primarily responsible for relaxing pelvic ligaments during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Relaxin

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Progesterone

Answer

Oxytocin

Question 5

Which physiological change during pregnancy can affect exercise tolerance?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood volume and cardiac output

Answer

Decreased joint laxity

Answer

Decreased basal metabolic rate

Answer

Increased blood pressure in all trimesters

Question 6

According to ACOG, what is the recommended amount of moderate-intensity exercise for pregnant women without contraindications?

Accepted Answer

At least 150 minutes per week

Answer

60 minutes every day

Answer

A maximum of 30 minutes twice a week

Question 7

Which of these is NOT a recommended exercise modification for pregnant women?

Accepted Answer

Exercising in a hot and humid environment

Answer

Reducing the intensity and impact of exercises

Answer

Avoiding exercises that involve lying flat on the back after the first trimester

Answer

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water

Question 8

What hormone, produced during pregnancy, can lead to increased joint laxity?

Accepted Answer

Relaxin

Answer

Insulin

Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Adrenaline

Question 9

Which exercise is MOST suitable for a pregnant woman in her third trimester?

Accepted Answer

Swimming

Answer

High-impact aerobics

Answer

Hot yoga

Answer

Contact sports

Question 10

What is diastasis recti?

Accepted Answer

Separation of the abdominal muscles

Answer

Lower back pain during pregnancy

Answer

Increased blood pressure

Answer

Swelling in the extremities

Question 11

Postpartum exercise should be approached gradually. What is a good initial goal for exercise duration after a vaginal birth with no complications?

Accepted Answer

15-20 minutes

Answer

60 minutes

Answer

Exercise is not recommended postpartum

Answer

Maximum effort until exhaustion

Question 12

Which of these is a potential benefit of regular exercise during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Reduced risk of gestational diabetes

Answer

Guaranteed weight loss

Answer

Increased risk of preterm labor

Answer

Elimination of all pregnancy discomforts

Question 13

When should a pregnant woman consult with a healthcare professional before starting or continuing an exercise program?

Accepted Answer

Always, regardless of pre-pregnancy fitness level

Answer

Consultation is not necessary

Answer

Only if experiencing pregnancy complications

Answer

Only if new to exercise

Question 14

Which of the following is a sign to stop exercising and consult a doctor immediately during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal bleeding

Answer

Increased body temperature

Answer

Slight increase in heart rate

Answer

Mild breathlessness

Question 15

Which of the following is a physiological adaptation to pregnancy that may impact exercise capacity?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood volume

Answer

Decreased joint laxity

Answer

Lowered heart rate

Answer

Reduced oxygen consumption

Question 16

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), what is the generally recommended amount of moderate-intensity exercise for pregnant women without contraindications?

Accepted Answer

At least 150 minutes per week

Answer

No more than 30 minutes per day

Answer

Only with physician clearance

Answer

Exercise is not recommended during pregnancy

Question 17

Which exercise is considered safe for most pregnant women throughout their pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Swimming

Answer

Hot yoga

Answer

Scuba diving

Answer

Horseback riding

Question 18

Which of these is a potential benefit of regular exercise during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Reduced risk of gestational diabetes

Answer

Increased morning sickness

Answer

Delayed labor

Answer

Increased risk of miscarriage

Question 19

During which trimester is it most important to avoid exercises in the supine position?

Accepted Answer

Second and third trimester

Answer

Supine position is safe throughout pregnancy

Answer

First trimester only

Answer

Third trimester only

Question 20

Which of the following is a warning sign to stop exercising and consult a doctor during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal bleeding

Answer

Slight muscle soreness

Answer

Increased body temperature

Answer

Mild breathlessness

Question 21

How soon after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery can most women start gentle exercise?

Accepted Answer

As soon as they feel ready

Answer

Strenuous exercise is recommended immediately

Answer

After their 6-week postpartum checkup

Answer

Only after getting clearance from a physical therapist

Question 22

Which of these exercises is MOST appropriate for strengthening pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Kegel exercises

Answer

Jumping jacks

Answer

Heavy lifting

Answer

Crunches

Question 23

What is diastasis recti?

Accepted Answer

Separation of the abdominal muscles

Answer

Lower back pain during pregnancy

Answer

A type of prenatal yoga

Answer

Increased blood pressure during pregnancy

Question 24

Why is it essential to stay hydrated during exercise in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

To regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration

Answer

To prevent gestational diabetes

Answer

To increase amniotic fluid levels