What Types of Exercise should I do During Pregnancy?

There is a range of exercises that you can do to stay fit and healthy during pregnancy, as discussed below:

• Walking – Brisk walking can be beneficial in keeping your heart healthy. You may wish to try walking down to your local park or in peaceful surroundings, in order to make it seem less of an exercise
• Swimming – Many women are surprised to know that they can still swim during pregnancy. Swimming is a therapeutic form of exercise which strengthens muscle tone and stamina
• Yoga and Pilates – Yoga and Pilates can help to keep the body healthy. The therapeutic gentle movements will allow you to relax and get your heart gently pumping
• Gentle Cycling on an Exercise Bike – Pregnant women can cycle on an exercise bike providing they don’t exhaust themselves. Cycling can be beneficial in keeping your heart rate up and is good for overall wellbeing
• Specialised Pregnancy Exercises – Your doctor or midwife may be able to provide you with specialised pregnancy exercises, which may involve strengthening the pelvic area so that you can start to get ready for the demands of labour

Which Forms of Exercise are best for Pregnancy?

There are a few factors you have to consider when analysing which forms of exercise would be best for pregnancy. If you are having a high risk pregnancy, or have other high risk conditions, it is best to discuss which type of exercise is best with your doctor. Any exercise you do should not overly exhaust you and you should make sure that you do not become too overheated when exercising

Exercises that are best for pregnancy are those that:

• Increase your heart rate to get it pumping
• Help you with the degree of pregnancy weight gain
• Prepare your muscles for labour and birth
• Keep you fit and healthy
• Do not over exhaust you or cause you stress

Which type of sports should I avoid?

It is best for pregnant women to avoid sports that cause undue physical stress as this could be harmful for both you and the baby. Sports which have risks of falling such as skiing, horse riding and rugby are not recommended. Diving is also considered dangerous during pregnancy, and if you do go swimming then you should not dive into the pool. Other risky sports include football, basketball and tennis due to the use of the ball which could hit your stomach.

Exercise during Pregnancy:

---

• Exercise during Pregnancy
• The Benefits of Exercise during Pregnancy
• What Types of Exercise should I do During Pregnancy?
• How much Exercise should I be doing during Pregnancy?
• Fitness Ball Exercise during Pregnancy
• Yoga for pregnant women

---