SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- After convalescent leave, most new moms in the Air Force have four-and-a-half months until their next Physical Fitness Test, which can be daunting, especially if they have not worked out during their pregnancy.

Recently, the Health and Wellness Center started a Pregnancy and Post-partum Fitness Class at the Fitness Center every Wednesday at 3 p.m. for about an hour.

"The class mixes weights, stretches and aerobics to keep pregnant women active and it also reassures them that it is still OK to exercise," said Kayce Lauf, HAWC health and fitness specialist. "It's also nice because they can meet other pregnant women and ask questions. We even have our nutritionist on standby to answer questions. Everything is at the individual's own pace."

The biggest concerns for pregnant women while working out are overexertion and overheating, which is why the class includes a proper warm up and cool down. All the exercises can be modified and the moms-to-be are frequently reminded to hydrate.

Al Bromley, HAWC fit program manager, said, "A healthy pregnancy leads to a healthy baby. An unhealthy pregnancy makes it hard to pass a PT test which puts their Air Force career at risk at an already stressful time with a newborn and work. If this is their first child then it is even scarier."

Having a fit pregnancy decreases the risk for gestational diabetes and hypertension.

The class may also lead to an easier labor.

"They call it labor for a reason," said Bromley. "Pushing requires stamina and abdominal strength, which why it helps to work out. Being fit also leads to a faster recovery."

Having ran multiple marathons recently, at seven months pregnant, Tech. Sgt. Bobbie Lynn Sherman, 375th Air Mobility Wing Legal Office NCOIC, is an example for many of the moms in the class.

"The class offers a good variety and it caters to pregnant fitness instead of going to a PT session and not being able to do most of the exercises," said Sherman.
Anyone with access to the base can participate in the class.

Heather Krueger, a St. Elizabeth's nurse, who is 22-weeks-pregnant, said, "It's a good stretch, and I meet other people. I do different exercises that I wouldn't have done on my own, and I realize I feel better."

In addition to the workout, Lauf also hosts a question and answer session among the women at the end.

As a reminder, pregnant women who did not work out prior to getting pregnant should speak with their doctor first.