Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean inactivity and for most pregnant women, regular activity will be highly beneficial. Being fit is an advantage both in the pregnancy and recovery period.

Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided. Gentle activity that doesn’t leave you short of breath, overheated or overly tired is generally recommended.

Walking is a great way to keep active during pregnancy and the support of the water makes swimming a good option too.

It’s important to consult your GP or midwife before starting any exercise, particularly if you haven’t been active prior to your pregnancy. Your GP or midwife should be able to advise on suitable activity or even recommend local classes for mums-to-be. The benefits can include:

• More chance of a healthy level of weight gain during pregnancy
• More rapid weight loss after pregnancy
• Improved mood and sleep patterns, leading to less tension during pregnancy
• Shorter delivery time, and fewer complications during labour

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