Exercise during and after pregnancy

There is reliable evidence for the safety and benefits of physical activity during pregnancy. It is recommended that during pregnancy you should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week. For some women there may be complications that affect their pregnancy and physical activity may not be recommended so please check with your GP, Midwife or Pelvic Health Physiotherapist before starting a new exercise regime.

Visit The Chief Medical Officers Guideline for Physical Activity and Pregnancy to read more in depth around the detailed guidance

During your pregnancy you should aim to maintain or moderately improve your level of fitness. For uncomplicated and low risk pregnancies there are many health benefits to exercise including:

• Reducing risk of high blood pressure
• Reducing risk of gestational diabetes
• Reduces your childs risk of developing childhood obesity, diabetes and heart disease later in life
• Improves mood, reduces anxiety and stress and improves sleep quality
• Reduces the risk of postnatal depression
• Improves strength and stamina

The best exercise is what you enjoy and can stick to regularly.
The following links are some options on ways to safely increase your exercise at home or with supportive organizations within Tayside.