Why exercise matters more than ever during pregnancy
Current guidelines from ACOG, the CSEP Pregnancy Guidelines and NICE all advocate for regular moderate-intensity exercise throughout an uncomplicated pregnancy. The benefits are well-documented: reduced risk of gestational diabetes, better weight management, lower rates of pre-eclampsia, shorter active labour and significantly improved mood and sleep quality.
General principles
Aim for moderate intensity — the talk test is a reliable guide. Target 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Movement quality over load becomes more important than the kilos on the bar.
- Avoid supine work from the second trimester
- Avoid contact sports and activities with fall risk
- Introduce pelvic floor education from the first trimester
- Learn to manage intra-abdominal pressure throughout
Personal Trainer Salou provides exercise science-based coaching, personal training, health education and rehabilitation-informed exercise support. It does not replace medical diagnosis, physiotherapy, dietetic treatment or specialist healthcare. For medical conditions, pregnancy, cancer, diabetes, neurological conditions or post-surgical recovery, coaching may be adapted alongside medical or allied-health guidance where appropriate.