- Exercise before pregnancy
- Video: Pregnancy and exercise
- Benefits and risks of exercise during pregnancy
- Beginning an exercise program during pregnancy
- Exercises to do and avoid during pregnancy
- Safety considerations when exercising during pregnancy
- Exercise myths
Exercise before pregnancy
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The exercise habits women have before they become pregnant will largely dictate whether they will engage in exercise during their pregnancy. Those women who are physically active and well informed about the benefits of exercise in pregnancy are likely to engage in a healthy exercise program until late gestation. |
For more information, see Exercise Before Pregnancy.
Video: Pregnancy and exercise
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For the most part, life goes on as normal during pregnancy, including being active. Dr Joe Kosterich talks about common sense, types of exercises to avoid or continue, and the importance of staying active during pregnancy. |
Watch a video about Pregnancy and Exercise.
Benefits and risks of exercise during pregnancy
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Exercise has been believed to increase risks associated with pregnancy but many of these beliefs have not been proven with scientific evidence. It has only been in the last ten years that this area has been thoroughly researched and it has been found that not only is exercise during pregnancy safe but it is beneficial for both the mother and for her baby. This is not to say that there are no risks at all. |
For more information, see Benefits and Risks of Exercise During Pregnancy.
Beginning an exercise program during pregnancy
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Exercise in pregnancy is not only essential for women who are already active and want to maintain their fitness level, but also for women who have never exercised before. If you are physically inactive you make like to view your pregnancy as a perfect time to make a healthy change to your lifestyle by introducing an exercise program, with the help of your doctor. |
For more information, see Beginning an Exercise Program During Pregnancy.
Exercises to do and avoid during pregnancy
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There are some general guidelines which outline which exercises are recommended for pregnant women but the appropriateness of these activities will be largely determined by pre-pregnancy fitness level and previous exercise experience as this will dictate what intensity, frequency and type of activity can be safely maintained by each individual during pregnancy. |
For more information, see Exercises To Do and Avoid During Pregnancy.
Yoga during pregnancy
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Many women find that yoga is a gentle activity that improves joint flexibility and reduces muscle tension. The stretching postures involved in yoga may also help to relieve stress. Since yoga may not be suitable for all women, it is important that they are assessed before taking up the activity. |
For more information, see Yoga During Pregnancy.
Pilates in pregnancy
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During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles are stretched to make room for the growing baby. Pilates is an ideal exercise during pregnancy as it is designed to strengthen the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor exercises reduce urine leakage in women with stress and urge incontinence. |
For more information, see Pilates in Pregnancy.
Pregnancy and resistance training
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Healthy women who are previously active, healthy and have an uncomplicated pregnancy will be prescribed a low to moderate intensity exercise regime by their doctors. |
For more information, see Pregnancy and Resistance Training.
Safety considerations when exercising during pregnancy
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It has been shown that women who are better informed about the safety aspects of exercise during pregnancy will be more motivated to be physically active. Your doctor can tell you about what precautions you can take in order to make exercise during pregnancy safe. The more information you have about safety, the more comfortable you will feel about exercise. |
For more information, see Safety Considerations When Exercising During Pregnancy.
Exercise myths
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Many women are hesitant to engage in any sort of physical activity while they are pregnant. Exercise has been believed to increase risks associated with pregnancies but many of these beliefs are unsubstantiated with no scientific proof. For example, studies have shown that moderate exercise is not a predisposing factor to spontaneous abortion, preterm labour or interuterine growth restriction. |
For more information, see Exercise Myths.
More information
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For more information about pregnancy, including preconception advice, stages of pregnancy, investigations, complications, living with pregnancy and birth, see Pregnancy. |
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For more information on fitness and exercise, including stretches, types of exercise, exercise recovery and exercise with health conditions, as well as some useful videos, see Fitness |
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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