You Should Exercise Even When You’re Pregnant

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Other workouts suitable for pregnant women include low impact aerobics like swimming and elliptical training. Pelvic floor exercises are also beneficial because they help strengthen muscles that come under strain during pregnancy and labour, while prenatal yoga can make women more relaxed with stretching and breathing techniques (hot yoga isn’t recommended though).

Women who normally run, jog, or play racquet sports can usually continue doing so in pregnancy, but it’s better to ask an ob-gyn if those activities are safe as that may change from person to person.

The benefits of regular exercise during pregnancy include reduced back pain and constipation as well as decreased risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure), and cesarean birth, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The practice also strengthens both the heart and the blood vessels while helping women to lose weight after giving birth.

Women should also drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise and avoid working out when it’s too hot or humid.

However, some exercise types are dangerous during pregnancy and should be avoided. These include those that put women at risk of injury, like contact sports (soccer, basketball, ice hockey) snow/water skiing, surfing, and horseback riding.

“During your pregnancy, your center of balance changes, particularly as your belly expands in the later months,” explained Dr Zanotti. “That can put you at a greater risk for falls, so you’ll want to stay away from exercises that require balance.”

As is often the case, though, pregnant women should consult an ob-gyn to figure out the safest workout regime for their specific needs.