The Many Benefits of being Active when Pregnant
Updated April 10th, 2024
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 actually 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. For example lower back pain, swelling in legs, ankles and feet
- helps you gain the right amount weight
- control your blood sugar. This reduces your risk of gestational diabetes
- control your blood pressure
- reduce constipation and urinary leakage
Your baby benefits when you are physically active during pregnancy by having:
- a lower risk of developing diabetes
- a lower risk of becoming obese
- a lower risk of developing heart disease
Safety Tip: Every pregnant woman should consult with her healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program.
References:
2019 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy