It is important to keep fit and active during your pregnancy. 

It helps you to deal with the body changes that occur and prepares your body for labour and birth.

But, exercise should be taken with care and should be low-impact and non-contact.

Particularly suitable forms of exercise are:

• yoga
• pilates
• low-impact aerobics
• swimming & aqua-aerobics
• walking

As your pregnancy progresses, it can be more fun, and safer, to go to lessons specifically for pregnant women. Classes can be very sociable and allow you to share experiences with others in similar circumstances.   Good pregnancy exercise classes concentrate on instructing in good posture to help prevent back pain and other common pregnancy complaints.  Most classes will incorporate pelvic floor exercises.  Some classes are straightforward exercise classes whilst others incorporate antenatal education too, including breathing exercises and tips for labour and birth.

Find a class that's right for you in the Bub Hub's directory of local pregnancy exercise classes.

Some maternity hospitals also offer pregnancy exercise classes for their maternity patients only - please ask at your maternity facility about the availability of classes.

If you are a bit of a sports-pro, you might want to read more in-depth information on the Sports Medicine Australia website.


Exercising At Home
If you are interested in exercising at home, make sure that you check with your healthcare provider first.  Use a good quality pregnancy exercise dvd / video and well-maintained equipment.  Stop exercising if you have any concerns at all, such as feeling faint, too hot, overly breathless or light-headed.

See our directory of pregnancy exercise - at home equipment & services.


Pelvic Floor Exercises
The muscles of the Pelvic Floor are extremely important for the support of the internal organs as well as bladder and bowel function. The muscles can become strained and weakened during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to Pelvic floor dysfunction and continence problems (amongst others).  It is highly recommended that you include Pelvic Floor exercises in your routine.


Aches & Pains?
As your body prepares to give birth, a hormone called relaxin increases around the body, bringing about more flexible ligaments and joints.  Eventually, this allows the pelvis to expand during birth, but in the meantime, it means that you could be more susceptible to injury and strains.

Don't suffer in silence!  See professional advice from:

• local pregnancy and postnatal specialist physiotherapists
• local pregnancy specialist masseurs

Postnatal Exercise
If you are interested in keeping up your good work after your baby is born, see our directory of local post-natal exercise classes.


Make sure that you discuss your plans for exercise with your GP, midwife or obstetrician before you start.