It is wise to engage in light exercise throughout the duration of your pregnancy. It is recommended to engage in 30-40 minutes of gentle exercise during pregnancy 3-4 times a week.
At Western Specialist Centre in Melbourne, your obstetrician can discuss with you the benefits of exercise during pregnancy and help plan a routine that is right for you. If it is safe to do so, exercise during a routine pregnancy can yield many benefits, for example:
- Maintaining your fitness
- Assisting with weight control
- Strengthening of your back and abdominal muscles
- Improving sleep and aiding symptoms of fatigue
- Preventing constipation
- Prepare your body for labour and childbirth
Options for exercise during pregnancy:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Aqua aerobics
- Pilates and yoga structured specifically for pregnancy
- Exercises designed to strengthen your abdominal, lower back and pelvic floor muscles
- Bicycle riding
Warnings for Exercise During Pregnancy
Your obstetrician will discuss with you the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, though we may advise against exercise in some cases such as:
- High blood pressure
- Placenta praevia
- Multiple pregnancy
- Pelvic instability
Warnings about exercise during pregnancy:
- We recommended avoiding any sports where there is a likelihood to fall or receiving any abdominal impact
- In any water-based exercise, the water should not be heated above 28 degrees Celsius
- Remain hydrated, drinking water before, after and during exercise
- Do not increase your heart rate over 120 bpm
- Do not overdo it, and stop and rest immediately if you feel faint or breathless
A doctor should be contacted immediately if any over the following occurs after exercise:
- Any fluid or blood leakage from the vagina
- A rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Uterine contractions
- Pain in the vagina, abdomen or pelvis
- A decrease in foetal movements
Contact Western Specialist Centre in Melbourne for more information about exercise during pregnancy.