Keeping fit and healthy during pregnancy

Thanks to the latest addition to the Royal family, there is plenty of talk about how, despite her sickness, Kate managed to look so fit and healthy during her pregnancies.

In this blog we share some tips on how to keep exercising safely during your pregnancy.

Exercise is not dangerous for your baby unless you have a complicated pregnancy and have been advised otherwise by your midwife or obstetrician. If in doubt, always ask your ante-natal healthcare provider for advice.

Keeping active during your pregnancy will help you to adapt to your changing shape as pregnancy progresses. It may also help you to cope with labour and get back into shape after the birth.

If you already exercise regularly, there is no reason why you can’t keep up with your normal activity for as long as you feel comfortable.

Tips for exercising in pregnancy

• Don’t over do it. You may find you need to take it a bit easier as the months go by so listen to your body
• Don’t suddenly take up strenuous exercise if you were not exercising before becoming pregnant
• Don’t forget to warm up and cool down
• Try to keep active on a daily basis. Walking is great exercise and something most women can do well into pregnancy
• Remember to keep well hydrated and avoid exercising in hot weather.
• Make sure you inform an instructor that you are pregnant if you are joining a group class. They will be able to modify any exercises to suit your needs
• Incorporating Pilates into your exercise regime has huge benefits and it’s been rumoured that’s how Kate stays in shape. Check out our earlier blog on Pilates in pregnancy 

Check back soon for how to get back in shape as a new mum and for more information on keeping fit in pregnancy visit https://www.nhs.uk/start4life