Physical Changes During Your Pregnancy Will Create Extra Demands On Your Body

Physical changes that might affect your ability to exercise during pregnancy. Physical changes during your pregnancy will create extra demands on your body.
Keep in mind the changes listed below and remember to be attentive to pain and discomfort and adjust activities or exercise regimen as necessary:
  • Your developing baby and other internal changes increase demands for oxygen and energy
  • Hormones (relax in) produced during pregnancy cause the ligaments that support your joints to stretch, increasing the risk of injury
  • The extra weight and the uneven distribution of your weight alters your center of gravity, which can cause you to lose balance more easily
  • The extra weight also puts stress on joints and muscles in the lower back and pelvic area, and makes it easier for you to lose your balance.
If you have a medical condition, such as asthma, heart disease, hypertension or diabetes, exercise may not be advisable. Again, consult with your health care provider before beginning any exercise regimen.
Exercise may also be harmful if you have a pregnancy-related condition such as:
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Low placenta (low-lying or placenta previa)
  • Threatened or history of recurrent miscarriage
  • Previous premature births or history of early labor
  • Weak cervix.
Talk with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program. Your health care provider can also suggest personal exercise guidelines, based on your medical history.


So different when you practice these activities bellow. These activities carry little risk of injury, benefit your entire body, and can be continued until the birth of your baby. Other activities such as jogging can be done in moderation. You might want to choose exercises or activities that do not require great balance or coordination, especially later in your pregnancy. 

The safest and most productive activities to perform during your pregnancy are brisk walking, swimming, indoor stationary cycling, prenatal yoga and low-impact aerobics (taught by a certified aerobics instructor).