A study of more than 5000 children aged 11 and 12 suggests that women who were more active during their pregnancies, have children who are more sporty.
Mums leading by example
The research, carried out by a team led by Bristol University, suggests, however, that the reason for this is not biological, but that these women, who continued to be active after they had their children, were leading by example, which naturally encouraged their children to be more active.
There was also a small link to the time of year that the children were born: children born in the autumn were more likely to be sporty. This is likely because they are usually more physically developed in their school year, than younger children, and therefore are spurred on by early success when trying activities.
Getting children more active
With the increasing incidence of childhood obesity, the report's analysis that parents' can definitely improve their children's health by leading through example is a stark reminder of our responsibilities.
During the study, the pregnant women were said to have done activities such as swimming and brisk walking, rather than anything too strenuous.
There are lots of ways you can keep active without harming you or your baby. For ideas and advice, check out the ThinkBaby exercise in pregnancy section.
