Guide | The Many Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy: Doctors Recommend Informed Choices and Moderation
Pregnancy does not mean giving up exercise entirely. Raul Artal, MD, chair of obstetrics and women’s health at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and lead author of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines on exercise during pregnancy, says healthy prenatal exercise should be a daily priority alongside folic acid and adequate sleep.
Benefits Beyond Staying in Shape
Moderate exercise can improve energy and mood, support cardiovascular health, help manage weight gain, and reduce the risks of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Women who are physically fit may also find it easier to push during delivery.
Ask Your Doctor Before Getting Started
Exercise during pregnancy is not suitable in every situation. Some activities may be unsafe for women at risk of preterm birth or with severe anemia, heart problems, or poorly controlled diabetes, and may require close medical supervision. With a doctor’s approval, low-risk options include walking, swimming, light strength training, and stretching. Allow more time for rest and avoid overexertion.
It Is Not Too Late to Start
Doctors encourage women who were not active before pregnancy to build a routine gradually. Dr. Artal recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate to brisk walking each day. Jill Maura Rabin, MD, associate professor of obstetrics at Hofstra–North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, advises beginners to progress slowly; pregnancy is not the time to take up long-distance running or high-intensity exercise.
Safe Intensity and Warning Signs
Exercise at an intensity that still allows normal conversation. Water aerobics, low-impact prenatal aerobics, and stationary cycling are good options. Stop immediately and contact a doctor if you experience shortness of breath before exercising, dizziness, severe headache, chest pain, muscle weakness, contractions, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movement, or leaking amniotic fluid.
Be Aware of Physical Changes and Exercise Risks
Relaxin released during pregnancy prepares the pelvic ligaments for birth but also increases joint instability. Avoid jumping, sudden stops, and sharp turns to prevent ligament injuries. ACOG recommends avoiding high-risk activities such as downhill skiing, scuba diving, ice hockey, soccer, basketball, and other contact or high-impact sports because of the risks of falls, oxygen deprivation, and abdominal trauma. More adventurous activities can wait until after delivery.
Guide | Exercise During Pregnancy Has Many Benefits: Doctors Recommend Safe, Moderate Activity
Guide | The Many Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy: Doctors Recommend Informed Choices and Moderation
Pregnancy does not mean giving up exercise entirely. Raul Artal, MD, chair of obstetrics and women’s health at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and lead author of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines on exercise during pregnancy, says healthy prenatal exercise should be a daily priority alongside folic acid and adequate sleep.
Benefits Beyond Staying in Shape
Moderate exercise can improve energy and mood, support cardiovascular health, help manage weight gain, and reduce the risks of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Women who are physically fit may also find it easier to push during delivery.
Ask Your Doctor Before Getting Started
Exercise during pregnancy is not suitable in every situation. Some activities may be unsafe for women at risk of preterm birth or with severe anemia, heart problems, or poorly controlled diabetes, and may require close medical supervision. With a doctor’s approval, low-risk options include walking, swimming, light strength training, and stretching. Allow more time for rest and avoid overexertion.
It Is Not Too Late to Start
Doctors encourage women who were not active before pregnancy to build a routine gradually. Dr. Artal recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate to brisk walking each day. Jill Maura Rabin, MD, associate professor of obstetrics at Hofstra–North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, advises beginners to progress slowly; pregnancy is not the time to take up long-distance running or high-intensity exercise.
Safe Intensity and Warning Signs
Exercise at an intensity that still allows normal conversation. Water aerobics, low-impact prenatal aerobics, and stationary cycling are good options. Stop immediately and contact a doctor if you experience shortness of breath before exercising, dizziness, severe headache, chest pain, muscle weakness, contractions, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movement, or leaking amniotic fluid.
Be Aware of Physical Changes and Exercise Risks
Relaxin released during pregnancy prepares the pelvic ligaments for birth but also increases joint instability. Avoid jumping, sudden stops, and sharp turns to prevent ligament injuries. ACOG recommends avoiding high-risk activities such as downhill skiing, scuba diving, ice hockey, soccer, basketball, and other contact or high-impact sports because of the risks of falls, oxygen deprivation, and abdominal trauma. More adventurous activities can wait until after delivery.
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