Exercising while expecting: Your guide to safely getting your sweat on while pregnant

Hayman, MJ ORCiD: 0000-0003-1469-3496Historically, pregnancy was considered a time for rest. Pregnant women were advised to ‘take it easy’ and refrain from participating in exercise for fear it may harm the mother and/or her unborn child. However, times have changed and current research now clearly links appropriate exercise during pregnancy with a variety of associated health benefits for both the mother and baby. In women who are sufficiently active during pregnancy, these health benefits include reducing their risk of gestational diabetes up to 30 per cent, as well as helping to reduce the risks of other pregnancy-related complications such as pregnancy induced hypertension and obstetric intervention (Ceasarian-sections). Active pregnant women also have greater control over their gestational weight gain, increased cardiovascular function, improved muscle strength and endurance, and enjoy a heightened sense of energy, wellbeing and self-esteem