Pregnant and more experienced at exercise?

If you are used to exercising, you have an excellent base to build on during pregnancy. Many forms of exercise can be safely continued during pregnancy - although most women find they have to modify their activity as the months go by. Be flexible - try swimming instead of running, perhaps, or fast walking instead of cycling.

Keep in mind these guidelines:

• Take care with exercise that may put strain on  your back or abdominal muscles.
• Don’t push yourself as hard as you normally would. Stop if you get too hot, breathless or tired. Your pulse should not exceed 140 beats per minute.
• It is better to exercise regularly for short periods than to exhaust yourself in one long session. Rest for a few minutes every 15 minutes.
• Most women find three to four exercise sessions a week enough
• Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercising to prevent dehydration.
• Eat plenty of starchy carbohydrates to give you energy.
• See your midwife or doctor for regular checks of your blood pressure and your baby’s growth.

Do tell your coach or fitness instructor that you are pregnant, so they can tailor your programme accordingly. Pregnancy is not the time to break records or go for personal best!

Read more about exercising during pregnancy:

• Pregnancy exercise and your baby
• Pregnant and more experienced at exercise?
• Unsafe pregnancy exercise
• Do your pelvic thrusts!
• Aquanatal pregnancy exercise

Return to pregnancy homepage

Reviewed by babyworld midwife Hannah Hulme Hunter