Pregnancy Exercise Safety Checklist
Follow our exercise checklist to make sure that whatever exercise you chose, it is safe and appropriate when you are pregnant.
Do:
•Check with your doctor before you start exercise during pregnancy
•Tell your instructor you’re pregnant if attending a class
•Eat three to four hours before exercise and immediately after
•Try to maintain good posture
•Wear layered clothing to aid heat loss, a supportive bra and appropriate footwear
•Drink plenty of water – approximately two and a half litres per day (this is particularly important in the first three months)
•Listen to your body and don’t push yourself. During pregnancy, exercises will place a higher level of stress on your body so be careful.
•Stop immediately if you begin to feel uncomfortable.
Don't:
•Exercise if you have deep pelvic pain or spotting of blood
•Exercise if you’re getting lots of Braxton Hicks contractions
•Exercise to exhaustion
•Exercise when it’s very hot or you’re feeling unwell
•Exercise on your back after 16 weeks
Always check with your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns
Further information
NCT's helpline offers practical and emotional support in all areas of childbirth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700.
The NHS has a site on exercise when you are pregnant including tips and suggested excercises.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have guidelines on recreational excercise when you are pregnant.