Special Population: Pregnancy

Healthy women should be encouraged to participate in daily physical activity throughout pregnancy.

Pregnant women often seek exercise programs for various reasons, such as maintaining their fitness, supporting a healthy pregnancy, feeling more confident about bodily changes, preparing for the physical demands of childbirth, or finding community and support during a significant life transition. In the absence of medical complications, expectant mothers who are already physically active can typically continue with exercise routines that are safely modified for pregnancy. Doing so can help sustain both cardiovascular health and muscular strength throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period.

Despite these benefits, many pregnant individuals do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity each week. Healthcare providers play a key role in helping to address barriers like time constraints and educating patients about the mental and physical advantages of regular movement during pregnancy. Even those who were previously sedentary can benefit from appropriate, gradually progressing exercise plans under professional supervision. For beginners, incorporating short, manageable walks into daily routines can be a practical and effective way to begin. Many women find the second trimester an ideal time to start exercising, as early symptoms like fatigue and nausea often lessen. Regardless of fitness level, pregnant individuals must consult with their healthcare provider before beginning or adjusting any exercise program. Elite athletes, in particular, should work closely with their medical team to tailor training regimens to their unique needs. If complications arise, adjustments to the exercise routine should be made based on the guidance of the individual’s obstetrician.

Following medical advice, most pregnant women can safely engage in physical activity, gaining health benefits with little to no added risk to the fetus. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), in its 2020 guidelines, recommends that women with uncomplicated pregnancies participate in both aerobic and strength training before, during, and after pregnancy. Other professional organizations also advocate for combining aerobic and resistance exercises rather than relying solely on cardio to optimize health outcomes. The following are some of the benefits for pregnant women who engage in properly designed prenatal exercise programs:

✓ Improved aerobic and muscular fitness
✓ Faster return to prepregnancy weight, strength, and flexibility
✓ More energy reserve
✓ Shorter active phase of labor and less pain
✓ Less maternal weight gain
✓ Improved mood, self-concept, and psychological wellbeing
✓ Reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression
✓ Increased likelihood of adopting permanent healthy lifestyle habits
✓ Decreased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
✓ Decreased risk of cesarean and operative vaginal delivery
✓ Reduced risk of preeclampsia
✓ Fewer obstetric interventions
✓ Facilitated recovery from labor
✓ Reduced postpartum belly