Elara guides

Staying active in pregnancy

Staying active is a gift to both of you — here's how, safely.

For most pregnancies, exercise isn't just allowed — it's recommended. Moving regularly eases back pain, lifts your mood, helps you sleep, keeps blood sugar steady and can make labour and recovery easier. You don't need to be sporty; you need a little, often, in a way your changing body enjoys.

How much

The common target is about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week — say five 30-minute walks, or whatever adds up across your days. “Moderate” means you can still talk but not sing. If you were active before, you can usually keep going and adapt. If you're starting fresh, begin gently and build.

Great choices in pregnancy

• Walking — free, easy to dose, kind to joints.
• Swimming and water aerobics — the water takes the weight off your bump.
• Prenatal yoga and Pilates — strength, breath and calm, with bump-safe modifications.
• Stationary cycling — cardio without the fall risk of road cycling.
• Light strength work — supports the posture changes a growing bump brings.

What to ease off

Skip contact sports and anything with a real fall risk (downhill skiing, horse riding, mountain biking). After the first trimester, avoid exercises flat on your back for long stretches. Don't scuba dive. And don't train to exhaustion in heat — overheating and dehydration are the things to watch, not effort itself.

Listen to your body

• Warm up, cool down, and keep water nearby.
• Your joints are looser (hormone relaxin) — move with control, don't over-stretch.
• Eat enough to fuel the activity; pregnancy isn't the time to diet.
• Some breathlessness is normal as the bump grows; sharp pain is not.

Stop and call your provider if you have vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, chest pain, calf pain or swelling, severe headache, contractions, or dizziness. And if you have a high-risk pregnancy or a condition like placenta praevia, get a personalised plan before starting.