Lifestyle & Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy

The benefits of exercise and physical activity during pregnancy continue to be shown in the available research. These benefits include:

• Reduced risk of back and pelvic pain
• Reduced risk of high blood pressure
• Reduced risk of gestational diabetes
• Improved strength
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved mood
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Reduced risk of postnatal depression
• Reduces your child's risk of developing childhood obesity, diabetes and heart disease later in life

Moderate intensity exercise is not harmful to healthy women or their babies. Engage in your usual daily activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing or other exercises as long as you feel comfortable. The best exercise is what you enjoy and can stick to regularly.
For some women there may be pregnancy complications that means exercise may not be recommended so please check with your Midwife or GP 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

It is really helpful to complete your pelvic floor exercises throughout your pregnancy. This helps to build and maintain strength in these muscles, while also getting you in the habit of completing them which can make them easier to fit into your daily routine following the birth of your baby. If you are unsure how to do these exercises or want to know when you should complete them, please watch the below video.  

The following links are some options on ways to safely increase your exercise at home or with supportive organizations within Tayside.