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Active living: keeping active during and after pregnancy
| Contents: | What types of physical activity? Getting started Pelvic floor exercises Being safe After your baby is here Action stations: ideas to try Moving on: ideas, inspiration and information Keeping active during pregnancy |
Keeping active during pregnancy
In recent years, pregnant women have increasingly remained active during their pregnancy. Recent work has shown that gentle physical activity is safe and certainly not harmful to the growth and development of your baby. There is growing recognition that being active can result in a range of general health benefits.
- It can improve your heart health and circulation.
- It can help control body weight.
- It can help build stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis.
- It can help you feel generally stronger, fitter and more flexible.
- It can improve your mood, energy and feeling of ‘well-being’.
There may also be specific benefits for pregnant women who are regularly active.
- It can improve posture and reduce lower back pain.
- It can reduce the chances of developing high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy.
- It can contribute to a quicker recovery after birth.
- It can reduce the risk of circulatory problems in the legs such as thromboses (blood clots) and varicose veins.
- It can contribute to the promotion of mental well-being during pregnancy.
- It can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.
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