02/25/2026
"Exercise can offer many different benefits to pregnant women" (Hammer et al., 2000, p. 2). Here are five reasons why exercising can be beneficial during pregnancy:
1. Overall fitness is maintained and/or improves in pregnant women who exercise on a regular basis (Hammer et al., 2000).
2. Not exercising during pregnancy can actually be harmful and increase the risk of many physical health issues as well as psychological issues (Ribeiro et al., 2022).
3. Exercise has been shown to help prevent or treat gestational diabetes (as well as other common physiological issues) in pregnant women (Ribeiro et al., 2022).
4. Some women who exercise on a regular basis (even for a few minutes a day) have reported having less pregnancy symptoms such as reduced constipation, more bladder control, reduced morning sickness, better sleep, less experiences of heartburn, and better psychological well-being, among many others (Hammer et al., 2000).
5. Research has shown that women who remain active when they are pregnant report faster recovery postpartum and many women return to the physical condition they were in before their pregnancy (Hammer et al., 2000).
Overall, despite previous beliefs, exercise offers many physical and psychological benefits to pregnant women and can even aid in recovery after pregnancy (Hammer et al., 2000).
References:
Hammer, R. L., Perkins, J., & Parr, R. (2000). Exercise during the childbearing year. The Journal of perinatal education, 9(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1624/105812400X87455.
Ribeiro, M., Andrade, A. & Nunes, I. (2022). Physical exercise in pregnancy: benefits, risks and prescription. Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 50(1), 4-17. https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2021-0315
