While it has been established that in most cases it is safe to exercise during pregnancy, fewer than 15% of pregnant women achieve the minimum recommendation of exercise. It is thought women find activity difficult to achieve (secondary to pain or sickness), are unsure what to do, or are unsure if it is safe.
While exercise during pregnancy is usually considered to be safe, it is difficult to implement a ‘one size fits all’ approach. This means general guidelines can be outlined, however, it is always best to consult with your obstetrician, midwife or physiotherapist to discuss what is best for you.
The risk of preterm labour is a common concern that can be a barrier to exercise during pregnancy. Research indicates that exercise can in fact reduce the risk of preterm labour by reducing the likelihood of pregnancy complications (as described above).
While there are many benefits of exercising during pregnancy, there are certain times, conditions, signs and symptoms where exercise should be avoided or ceased. The most common contraindications are listed in the table below.
Discussions around exercise should always be conducted with your primary carer. If you have any concerns or your symptoms change, stop exercising and ensure you seek the opinion of a professional before you continue exercising.
Please note, this information should be used as a guide only. If you have any questions or queries, discuss them with your Obstetrician, Midwife or Physiotherapist.
Maintaining exercise throughout pregnancy is important for the health of all pregnant women, and can reduce the risk of complications during labour. For more information on how to exercise during pregnancy, please click HERE, or alternatively you can click HERE to book an appointment online with one of our physiotherapists to discuss exercise during pregnancy further.
If you’re interested in booking an appointment with one of our team members, contact our clinic today and we’ll be happy to find time for a consultation.
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