Benefits of exercise during pregnancy

The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain.

It will also help you to cope with labour.

Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable.

Exercise is not dangerous for your baby.

There is evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour.

Exercise tips for pregnancy

Do not exhaust yourself. You may need to slow down as your pregnancy progresses or if your maternity team advises you to.

Pregnancy exercises - first trimester

If in doubt, consult your maternity team.

As a general rule, you should be able to hold a conversation as you exercise when pregnant. If you become breathless as you talk, then you're probably exercising too strenuously.

If you were not active before you got pregnant, do not suddenly take up strenuous exercise. If you start an aerobic exercise programme (such as running, swimming, cycling or aerobics classes), tell the instructo

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