Is exercising during pregnancy safe?

Exercise during pregnancy is generally safe and highly recommended, provided there are no contraindications and the pregnant woman adapts her activities to her changing body.

Regular exercise helps improve the mother’s blood circulation and cardiovascular system. It helps maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy and helps relieve back pain, constipation, bloating, and swelling. Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety and contribute to a better mood. Regular physical activity can help improve sleep quality.

Regular exercise can improve muscle strength and endurance, which can be helpful during labor. Active women may experience a faster recovery after delivery.

Recommended activities include walking, biking, swimming, and strength training with light weights. High-impact and contact sports such as basketball, soccer, and skiing, which carry a high risk of falls or injury, should be avoided. Exercises that put intense strain on the abdominal muscles, such as sit-ups, should be avoided, especially after the first trimester.

There are certain medical conditions where exercise during pregnancy may not be recommended. These include severe heart or lung disease, preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, risk of preterm labor, severe anemia, placenta previa after 26 weeks of pregnancy, and severe cervical insufficiency.

Source: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/04/physical-activity-and-exercise-during-pregnancy-and-the-postpartum-period

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-06 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024