Exercise is encouraged in all healthy pregnancies. It is recommended that pregnant women perform 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week, at a moderate intensity. Resistance (strength) training at least twice a week is also recommended.
Exercise during pregnancy has been shown to have many benefits for both the mother and baby, including:
Unfortunately, many women stop exercising in pregnancy for various reasons. This can include worries that exercise will harm their baby, being unsure how to exercise safely during pregnancy, or concerns that their usual exercise hurts or feels wrong.
A Women’s Health Physiotherapist can provide advice and 1:1 coaching on appropriate exercise during pregnancy. You may be able to continue your current exercise regime, sometimes with modifications. This will also depend on how much and what type of exercise you are accustomed to performing.
There are certain conditions during pregnancy that may prevent you exercising. Exercises lying on the back for prolonged periods should not be performed after 16 weeks. Certain other exercise types are also not safe to continue in pregnancy. Consult your treating doctor or Women’s Health Physiotherapist for further advice.