Can I be active while pregnant?

Absolutely! Being physical active during pregnancy is a really positive thing to do, both for yourself and your baby.

Of course, some activities may not be suitable when pregnant. But physical activity is not just about competitive sports! It can include any physical activity which gets your body moving in a way that's comfortable to you. This could be swimming, yoga, pilates or walking.

Benefits of physical activity during pregnancy

• Great for your mental health
• Can improve your sleep
• Helps to prevent gestational diabetes
• Reduces risk of high blood pressure
• Improves cardiovascular fitness
• Can reduce recovery time following the birth

What if I am pregnant and not active?

We know that physical activity can help reduce many common problems experienced by pregnant women. These include back pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety. Keeping moving also improves a woman's overall health and helps with postpartum recovery.

Don't worry if physical activity has not been a priority for you before. It doesn't have to be about going on a gruelling exercise program. You can start small and make gradual changes - such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or doing some light stretching at home.

Studies have also shown that getting active during pregnancy lowers risk of a range of complications. Inactivity during pregnancy can cause maternal obesity. It also creates higher risk of preterm birth, emergency caesarean delivery, and preeclampsia.

And if I am pregnant and already active?

Keep going and adapt. It's important to remain physically activity while pregnant - but it's also important to ensure you exercise safely.

Talk with a professional who is qualified to give advice and guidance tailored to your needs. They can help you set realistic physical activity goals that suit your physical abilities and stage of pregnancy.

If you don't know where to start, take a look at our website. We work with specialists to provide up-to-date information and quality instructors. It means you can take part in Active Mums Club knowing that you are in good hands.

The Active Pregnancy Foundation have produced a video to help you to understand the physical and mental benefits physical activity can bring during pregnancy, and why movement can be healthy for both you and your baby.

The Active Pregnancy Foundation have developed the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy - a pre-screening tool which can help you to decide if you are ok to take part in activity.

More information about the pre-screening tool can he found here

We know that this is not only a transformative time for mum's but also their partners.

We would like to support where we can.

Advice for Partners | Pregnancy | Start for Life (www.nhs.uk)