Question

A pregnant client comes to the clinic. The client questions the nurse about the amount of exercise that is acceptable during pregnancy. Which is the most important response by the nurse?

a) Avoid all forms of exercise to prevent harm to the fetus.
b) Engage in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes most days.
c) Strenuous exercise is necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
d) Exercise intensity should increase as pregnancy progresses.

Answer 1

The best response by the nurse is to advise the pregnant client to engage in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days, as it is beneficial for both the mother's and fetus's health, and to avoid strenuous or potentially harmful activities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important response by the nurse to a pregnant client questioning about the amount of exercise during pregnancy would be option b) Engage in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes most days. Moderate activity is beneficial for the health of the mother and fetus, and routine prenatal care encourages maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes safe physical activity. High intensity or overly strenuous exercise may be harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus, and it's particularly important to avoid activities that could cause injury or stress during pregnancy.

In alignment with the guidelines suggested by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), moderate exercise, such as taking a brisk walk, is a safe and effective way for most pregnant women to maintain their health and prepare their bodies for the demands of childbirth. Exercise indeed plays a crucial role in participants’ overall vascular homeostasis, and as little as 30 minutes of exercise daily can have significant health benefits. However, it is vital to tailor exercise intensity to individual capabilities and to avoid extreme or strenuous activities that could lead to overexertion or injury.