Exercise During Pregnancy

Did you know that research shows it is safe and recommended to continue or even start a new exercise routine during your pregnancy? Exercise has been shown to provide many benefits to pregnant women and their babies. Even those who have previously been inactive can introduce exercise and achieve benefits!

Current Recommendations for Exercise During Pregnancy

Current American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines recommend 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week for pregnant women who are without contraindications. Activities should be performed at a level of intensity that allows you to still carry on a conversation while remaining active or at a “moderate” level of intensity. Research shows only 16% of pregnant women currently follow these guidelines and many expecting mothers decrease their activity level throughout pregnancy.

Exercise Safety During Pregnancy

You should consult with your physical therapist or physician to determine if exercise is safe for you. You should not perform exercise besides walking if you have signs and symptoms such as: restrictive lung disease, severe anemia, persistent second or third trimester bleeding, or other symptoms that are listed in the ACOG Committee Opinion 650.

Activities During Pregnancy

There are many different activities you can perform while pregnant! Your exercise routine may need to be modified to fit the changes of your pregnancy but the following exercises could be safe to try:

Walking or jogging

Yoga, meditation

Core and pelvic floor strengthening

Hip, gluteal, and low back strengthening

Stretching

Stability ball exercises

Swimming

Stationary cycling

Dance aerobics

Resistance training

…and others!

Consult with a PT to determine which exercises can be most beneficial to you. Pregnant women have been shown to be most successful with a specific and supervised exercise routine that they are likely to continue to perform long term.

There are specific activities you should avoid during pregnancy. These include:

Overexertion

Laying on your back past the first trimester

Exercising in a hot, humid environment without enough water

High impact activities (contact sports, sports with risk of falling, etc.)

Holding your breath during activity

Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy

There are many potential benefits to performing regular, structured exercise throughout your pregnancy. These can include:

Decreased low back or pelvic pain

Improved feelings of energy and decreased fatigue

Decreased risk for cesarean delivery

Prevention of excessive maternal and fetal weight gain

Lower risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes

Shorter hospital stays

Speedier recoveries

Improved sleep

Questions?

Do you have questions about exercise during your pregnancy? Consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist to answer any questions or if you are interested in beginning a routine, updating your current routine, or have any pain limiting your function during pregnancy.

Jesse McGown, SPT