Early babies, delivered between 37 and 38 gestational weeks, are more likely to have poor respiratory fitness”>cardio-respiratory fitness – circulatory and respiratory systems”>circulatory and respiratory systems – throughout their lives compared with babies born at 39 to 42 weeks, a recent study finds.respiratory fitness “>Cardio-respiratory fitness reflects the ability of the circulatory, respiratory and muscular systems to supply oxygen to muscles during exercise and is a major indicator of metabolic and cardiovascular health.According to University of Queensland researchers, babies born even a few weeks early are more likely to have poor physical fitness throughout life.Associate Professor Isabel Ferreira from the University Of Queensland in Australia said that babies delivered between 37 and 38 weeks had a 57 percent higher risk of poor respiratory fitness”>cardio-respiratory fitness throughout their life compared with babies born at 39 to 42 weeks.Recent trends towards electively delivering babies earlier are worrisome in view of the health risks this may bring to the child,” Dr Ferreira added.It is becoming increasingly evident that babies born earlier – even by only a few weeks – may face more adverse health outcomes as they get older.These could include neurological, cognitive and respiratory issues in adolescence and early adulthood.Dr Ferreira said the research had implications for public health policy.”Health care providers and mothers should be informed of the lifelong health risks that early term deliveries may have on babies and refrain from these unless there is a medical reason,” she said.Is there any family event quite as special as the arrival of a new baby? Whether your infant is the first, or the latest addition to your brood, this bundle of joy will have you smitten. But along with all that happiness, there also comes unwanted pregnancy pounds. So how does a new mom lose the baby weight without leaving her precious infant behind? Thankfully , there are now several fitness activities that allow moms to bring baby along for the fun.Sandra Drygas, a certified trainer with Beaches Fitness in Toronto, specializes in pre- and postnatal well-being. A mom herself, Drygas understands the postpartum path back to fitness. “Exercise has so many benefits,” she says. “Moms come for the social aspects, because their babies sleep longer after a class, and to lose weight and tone up.” Working out also sparks the release of endorphins-feel-good brain chemicals that can help tackle the “baby blues.”Time in the pool encourages baby to explore her natural instincts for water, while mom enjoys a low-impact routine that’s kind to her healing body. “It’s stress-free on the joints, and can be a great cardio workout,” says Drygas.
