The Benefits of Staying Active During Pregnancy TweetPin It Posted on 4/02/2014 in Pregnancy & Baby & Well-Being It’s generally well-known these days that moderate physical activity provides many benefits during pregnancy. Exercise can improve your strength, posture, sleep and circulation, help control weight, give you more energy and some relief from stress, boost your moods, and it can have social benefits as well. It may also help you cope better with your labour when it comes, and get back to normal more quickly afterwards. Good options for pregnancy exercise include swimming, aqua-aerobics, walking, riding a bicycle, Pilates, and stretching exercises like Qigong and yoga, which can help with breathing, promote mental calmness and clarity, and improve back and core strength. Exercise cautions While in the past women were often not encouraged to exercise during pregnancy, nowadays, unless your doctor advises you otherwise, there’s no excuse for not taking some gentle exercise. Having said that however, it’s important not to overheat, or to exercise until you are puffing, and you should also take care to avoid excess strain on your muscles and ligaments. And before commencing an exercise program, you should check with your doctor. What to wear Fortunately, there are some great active-wear clothing items around for pregnancy sport and exercise. You are not limited to some of the unflattering styles of the past. These days you get to choose from maternity leggings, or ‘preggings’ as they are sometimes known, as well as a variety of tanks and t-shirts for every trimester, comfortable and flattering trackie pants, and zippered or wrap hoodies. There is also some pretty nice swimwear to choose from, including both one and two-piece items and tankinis. So make sure to keep yourself active during this time of your life. It’s something you are unlikely to regret later! What exercise have you done during pregnancy, and how did it help you? What would you recommend? Comments Be the first to comment on this article! Leave your comment below. Submit your comment Name (required)* Email (required - will not be published)* * Comment* Enter the code from the image: The code you entered is invalid Notify me by email when there are new comments Notify me by email when new articles are posted Submit Comment You might also like 10 Postpartum Care Kit Must-HavesPosted on April 1, 2020 in Motherhood & Well-BeingWhile you’ve probably been preparing for baby for a while now, it’s also important to make sure you have a postpartum care kit with everything you need to promote comfort and healing in yourself.Read now Best Maternity Clothing Brands Available in AustraliaPosted on March 1, 2015 in StyleIn this article, we introduce you to some of the best maternity clothes brands out there, each with their own unique style, originality of design and pregnancy need.Read now What to Expect From Your Newborn’s Sleep in the First Three MonthsPosted on October 1, 2025 in MotherhoodNewborn sleep may be unpredictable, but it’s also temporary. Every catnap and midnight feed is part of their growth and adjustment to the big, bright world outside the womb.Read now