Physical Activity
Did you know?
Attitudes to pregnancy have changed over the years. There was a time when expectant moms were encouraged to take it easy and keep their feet up. Medical experts now recommend regular physical activity as beneficial during pregnancy.
Regular physical activity:
- improves mood and self-image
- helps ensure appropriate weight gain during pregnancy
- helps with relaxation and reducing stress
- promotes better sleep
- increases muscle tone, strength and endurance
- helps build stamina needed for labour and delivery
- promotes faster recovery after labour and delivery
- helps increase energy levels
Physical activity tips:
- always start easy and progress gradually
- drink lots of water before, during and after physical activity
- don't push yourself too hard. You should be able to carry on a normal conversation while you're being active
- listen to your body; if you're feeling more tired than normal, take it easy and rest for a day
- avoid being active outdoors on overly hot or humid days. Instead, get active indoors in a well-ventilated room
Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- persistent contractions
- bleeding from the vagina
- increasing back pain, pubic pain, or pain in the abdomen
- sudden swelling of the ankles, hands or face
- dizziness or shortness of breath
- excessive fatigue
- difficulty walking
- changes in usual fetal movement
- swelling, pain, and redness in the calf of one leg
Build physical activity into your daily routine - at home, at school, at work, at play and on the way. The type of activity you choose is up to you, as long as you feel comfortable doing it. Suggested activities are walking, stationary cycling, swimming, aquafit, stair machines and low-impact aerobics. You may need to modify weight-bearing activities such as running, high-impact aerobics, hiking, and tennis or choose alternative activities as your pregnancy progresses.
Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living  recommends a variety of activities from three groups to get the most health benefits: endurance activities, flexibility activities and strength activities. Choose activities that appeal to you.
Get active your way, every day. Everyone can do it!
Search results for physical activity on the Canadian
Health Network - A consumer health information service brought
to you by the Public Health Agency of Canada and major health
organizations across Canada.
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