Just about all women can and should be physically active throughout pregnancy. Exercise during pregnancy is safe and often recommended although some modification to your workouts may be due to natural anatomic and physiologic changes and your baby’s fetal requirements. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) encourages women with uncomplicated pregnancies to engage in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises prior to conception and following delivery. In December 2015, ACOG published its newly revised COMMITTEE OPINION, Physical Activity and Exercise during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period.
ACOG acknowledges that there are several different types of safe exercises for you to enjoy during your pregnancy, and also those that should be modified or given up during your 40-week gestational journey as they may pose a risk to you and your baby.
Safe exercises range from simply walking to swimming to stationary cycling to low-impact aerobics. Yoga or Pilates are acceptable as long as you make sure they are modified, meaning that the positions you use during your session do not decreasing the venous return to your heart causing hypotension.
It’s important that you consult with your health care team, especially if you have any medical condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, bleeding, or any other disorder, or if you are obese or underweight before you begin an exercise regime.
Your pregnancy journey will be all the more amazing for both you and your baby when it’s boosted by the energy of exercise! To learn more about exercise & pregnancy, please visit the exercise section of week 4 on our website.
