Effects of Exercise on Pregnancy

Pregnant woman exercising

Effects of Exercise on Pregnancy: Positive



Your strengthened cardiovascular system will give you more endurance, and stronger muscles will allow you to accomplish tasks with less effort, leaving you more energy to continue through the rest of your day. Some women enjoy prenatal yoga. Shop Yoga

Exercise also allows you sleep better. Most women have some trouble sleeping through the night by the end of their pregnancies.







Effects of Exercise on Pregnancy: Concerns to Watch for




If you exercise too strenuously, you can restrict oxygen from your uterus. Make sure to stick within a recommended heart rate level to ensure that your baby is getting the oxygen he/she needs.

As your pregnancy progresses, your center of balance shifts, making falls more likely. Participate in activities such as swimming, walking, or low-impact aerobics that do not put you at additional risk to slip or fall.

Avoid such activities as downhill skiing, horseback riding, mountain climbing, and contact sports (like football or soccer) that could put you at risk for an injury or a fall.

Exercise causes an increase in your body temperature, which can affect the baby’s development. Use caution when exercising in hot weather and always make sure that you’re getting plenty of fluids when exercising. Your body temperature should stay below 101°F.

Last Updated: 07/2015

Compiled using information from the following sources: Clapp, Dr. James F. III, MD. Exercising Through Your Pregnancy. Addicus Books: Omaha, Nebraska, 2002. Mikeska, Erinn, CPT, and Dr. Christine Quatro, Delivering Fitness. Brown Books Publishing Group: Dallas, TX, 2004.

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