Yesterday, the American College of Gynecologists (ACOG) released their updated guidelines on exercise during pregnancy and postpartum—including a new section for athletes.
According to the updated guidelines, competitive athletes should be cautious and careful to avoid hyperthermia and blunt trauma. They should also make sure to drink plenty of water and stay properly hydrated, as well as make sure to eat well and get the calorie amount they require to prevent any weight loss. The guidelines also recommend competitive athletes be closely supervised by their doctors, as they may have a more strenuous training schedule and want to resume high-intensity training during postpartum sooner than other women.
For elite athletes, defined by the ACOG as someone with “several years of experience in a sport who has competed with other high-level performers and trains year-round at a high…
