If you are pregnant and wondering if continuing to exercise is safe, you are not alone. If you Google “exercising while pregnant”, you are likely to get a multitude of hits with recommendations from various blogs, forums, and healthcare provider sites ranging from “Don’t do it” to “Of course you can still do pull-ups!” The Internet can be an excellent resource as you progress through your pregnancy, but it is important to be able to discern between anecdotal evidence, outright mistruths, and professional, evidence-based recommendations.

As you are likely receiving a list of “Do Nots” while you are progressing through pregnancy, maintaining a regular exercise program is very much on the “Do it!” list*. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “Physical activity in pregnancy has minimal risks and has been shown to benefit most women, although some modification to exercise routines may be necessary because of normal anatomic and physiologic changes and fetal requirements” (ACOG, 2015)1. The benefits of physical activity during pregnancy are vast. While pregnant, some of the benefits of physical activity can include reducing maternal weight gain, reducing the risk of gestational diabetes, reducing gestational hypertension, reducing the risk for postpartum depression, and potentially reducing the need for Cesarean section and instrumental deliveries2,3. Need we say more?

Given all the benefits, it is important to know how to safely modify your exercise routine as you progress through your pregnancy. Whether you are a CrossFitter, Yogi, runner or do a little bit of everything, exercise modifications will be necessary to ensure safety for you and your growing baby. If you aren’t sure what exercises need modifications, or how to make those modifications, that’s where the Doctors of Physical Therapy at CSPT can help. Schedule an appointment today to learn how you can stay active and decrease pain throughout both your pregnancy and postpartum periods! 

*With all evidence provided in this article supporting exercise during pregnancy, it is important to note that there are certain circumstances that exercise may be contraindicated due to safety concerns for mother and growing baby. Contact your obstetric provider to clarify your risk should you have any concerns. 

References: 

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Committee Opinion, 2015. https://www.acog.org/-/media/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/co650.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20190725T1812495503

2. Mottola MF, Davenport MH, Ruchat S-M, et all. Br J Sports Med 2018;52:1339-1346.

3. Ruben Barakat, Mireia Pelaez, Carmina Lopez, Rocío Montejo & Javier Coteron (2012) Exercise during pregnancy reduces the rate of cesarean and instrumental deliveries: results of a randomized controlled trial, The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 25:11, 2372-2376, DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.696165