Being pregnant does not have to stop you from being active. Unless your health care provider has told you to limit your activity, physical activity is encouraged and has many benefits for you and your baby.
Physical activity during pregnancy helps you:
- Manage stress and depression
- Sleep better
- Improve your heart and lung health
- Build your strength and stamina for labour
- Cope with common discomforts of pregnancy such as: lower back pain, swelling in legs, ankles and feet
- Gain a healthy amount of weight
- Control your blood sugar which reduces your risk of gestational diabetes
- Control your blood pressure
- Reduce constipation (have regular bowel movements) and urinary leakage (help with bladder control)
Your baby benefits when you are physically active during pregnancy, as you’ll have a lower risk of:
- Developing diabetes
- Becoming obese
- Developing heart disease
Safety Tip
Every pregnant person should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program.
References:
2019 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy
