What are the benefits of exercise during pregnancy?
Staying active and doing at least 30 minutes of regular exercise during pregnancy can:
- Reduce bloating, constipation and back pain
- Lower the risk of gestational diabetes
- Increase your energy
- Support your mental wellbeing
- Improve your posture
- Increase muscle strength
- Help you sleep better
Regular exercise during pregnancy can help labour feel easier and also makes it easier to lose weight after birth.
Which exercises can I do during pregnancy?
Sports that are considered safe during pregnancy include:
- Walking
- Swimming in a clean pool or in the sea
- Running, if you ran regularly before pregnancy
- Pilates (with an instructor trained in prenatal pilates)
- Yoga (with an instructor trained in prenatal yoga)
Which exercises should I avoid during pregnancy?
Sports with a high risk of falling, such as gymnastics, water skiing, skiing and horse riding, should be avoided. Team sports with a risk of collision, such as basketball, volleyball and football, may also be risky. Because of the pressure changes involved, scuba diving is not recommended during pregnancy.