Exercise in pregnancy, how much is too much?

It's hard enough to keep fit any time but when you're pregnant things get confusing. Doing some exercise is healthy for you and your baby, staying active will keep you feeling good and being fit is great for your health. But when you're pregnant what do you need to consider?

Researchers (Evenson, 2014) in the USA looked at national guidelines for activity in pregnancy and found that there is no consistent message. But what they did find sounds sensible:

1. Moderate physical activity during pregnancy is beneficial.

2. There are certain warnings for not doing exercise, for example: anaemia, bleeding, preeclampsia, incompetent cervix, and high blood pressure.

3. Avoiding any sport or exercise where there is a high risk of slips or falling is sensible.

The key thing is that you should do what you feel comfortable doing, and if you have any doubts or concerns seek advice from your Doctor or other health care professional.

If you exercised regularly before pregnancy then carry on and adjust if you feel tired or unwell. If you were not active before then maybe starting exercise in pregnancy could be a good way to stay fit, but if you have any concerns see someone, and always start slowly....