We know from the feedback received through our Pregnancy Questionnaire that many mums would like some information about exercising during pregnancy.

On this page you will find links to sites that offer professional advice, the ideas/experiences that came from other mums and details of some of the antenatal exercise videos that are available.

What worked for You?

"I would recommend you try and keeping walking. I walked for 1/2 a mile a day while pregnant it kept me reasonably fit and I had a short labour 4 hours."

"I found a physiotherapy group with an exercise class for pregnant women. We swapped stories stretched and watched other women at different stages. We were advised on keeping fit and healthy before and after the birth by women who had had their babies which was great."

Pilates

"Pilates has recently got an excellent press for offering pregnant women a good way of exercising in order to regain their figures soon after birth. Ideally, you should start Pilates exercises prior to getting pregnant, but they can be started during pregnancy if properly supervised initially. The link below goes through to a site that lists all approved pilates instructors in UK."

www.pilates-institute.com

Yoga

Pregnancy is a wonderful time to practise yoga. It helps keep the body supple without straining. Yoga breathing helps you to relax, improves circulation and will help you relieve the pain of labour in childbirth.

For more information or to find a teacher near you, please visit www.yogabirth.org

You could try the DVD Yoga for a conscious pregnancy, from www.devotion.org.uk

Pregnancy Exercise

For a useful list of instructors near you, please visit www.postnatalexercise.co.uk

Useful Publications