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Daily exercise is good for mom and dad-to-be
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025

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It may surprise you to learn that exercise is good for pregnant women. Many medical experts agree that exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for most pregnant women, if done correctly. Exercise can help a woman cope with her need to move. It can improve her sleep; the improved circulation that exercise provides is good for her and the baby. Exercise can prepare a woman for the rigors of childbirth. There are other benefits, too: One study found that women who did moderate exercise during pregnancy were less likely to carry a pregnancy to term. Exercise can help control some of the hormonal changes that lead to uterine cramps.
A woman may be interested in exercising during pregnancy because it will make her feel better and help her stay in shape. There may be times during pregnancy when she does not want to exercise, especially if she is suffering from morning sickness or fatigue. A man should suggest that his wife discuss exercise with her doctor during one of her early prenatal visits. The doctor should be consulted before a pregnant woman begins an exercise routine or when she changes her exercise program. If a man attends prenatal visits, he can discuss with the doctor any precautions his wife should take. Then you will both know what restrictions she has or what precautions she needs to take.
Joint gymnastics classes are a way to get closer. Walking, swimming, cycling or doing gymnastics are more interesting together. A woman will notice the support from a man, and a man will be able to appreciate the results of his actions.
What exercises can spouses do together? Perhaps a man believes that a pregnant woman is very limited in the types of exercises she can do. This is not true! There are many types of exercises available to an expectant mother, especially if she was physically active before pregnancy.
Whenever possible, spouses should go to gymnastics together. Moderate intensity is best. Spouses can do aerobics together. This is fun as long as everyone works at their own pace.
If the gym has a pool, swimming is a great way to relax. Even if the woman grows in size, she will feel great in the water! Some gyms have water aerobics sections - both spouses can exercise without straining their joints.
Using cardiovascular equipment such as a stationary bike or stair climber will allow couples to exercise together. The man can choose a comfortable load or pace, and his wife can do the same.
If a man enjoys hiking on weekends, he should invite his wife to join him! The couple can choose a route that is not too difficult and enjoy it together. Avoid rocky terrain, steep climbs and descents, which require a lot of physical effort that can strain a woman’s changing body. Both spouses should try to avoid unsafe situations.
Cycling is good if the woman feels comfortable. During pregnancy, her center of gravity will shift; this may cause her to have difficulty maintaining balance on the bike. But if she is an experienced cyclist and has good control of her position, muscles and feels confident, cycling can be a lot of fun for the couple. Walking and enjoying the fresh air awakens your vitality. A necessary precaution is that the woman should refrain from cycling in the mountains and other types of extreme travel. It is also wise to avoid riding during the third trimester, when it is more difficult to mount and dismount the bike without running the risk of falling.
Whatever the couple chooses, they should do it together!
By sharing what they do during pregnancy, they will learn to share what they do as parents. For example, after the baby is born, the couple might buy a child seat for the man's bike, and rides will become family activities.
Some interesting things that couples can do together are listed below; most of them are acceptable for women of any age who are having a normal, safe pregnancy. A man should read the list; perhaps he will find a few things he can do together with his wife.
- walks
- swimming
- aerobics (excluding exercises involving sudden movements)
- water aerobics / workouts
- on velocyclists
- regular cycling (if the woman is experienced in this)
- jogging (if the expectant mother regularly ran before pregnancy)
- tennis (must be played)
- sensibly) / yoga
If a woman has played competitive sports such as racquetball or tennis, she may be able to continue playing during pregnancy, but expect her level of play to change. The goal of the game is not to win, but to maintain fitness and enjoyment. If a couple plays such games together, the man should keep this in mind.
During pregnancy, you should refrain from certain sports. They are dangerous for the mother and her growing child. A man should know that his wife should not engage in:
- diving
- water skiing
- windsurfing
- horse riding
- alpine skiing
- cross-country skiing
- any contact sports
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Benefits of Exercise
- Sports can be fun, especially if spouses do it together. They can do many of the things we mentioned above. The following tips will help a man help his wife stay healthy and fit.
- You need to exercise at least 3 times a week, 20 to 30 minutes each time.
- Each session should begin with a five-minute warm-up and end with a five-minute gradual wind-down period.
- A woman (like a man) should wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for sports.
- You should drink plenty of water during exercise.
- A pregnant woman should not exercise vigorously for more than 15 to 20 minutes without her doctor's permission.
- The pulse of the expectant mother should not be more than 140 beats per minute.
- You should not exercise in hot, damp weather.
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Benefits of Sports
SOME REASONS FOR SPORT. Regular exercise can help many things. It soothes back pain and prevents cramps and varicose veins. It can help the expectant mother control her weight. Exercise is good for both partners, it controls mood swings and ensures mental health, and improves sleep. In addition to developing the muscles used in childbirth, exercising during pregnancy can help the expectant mother stay in better shape and recover more quickly after childbirth.
If a woman has swelling. Any exercise that involves joint movement pumps water from the tissues into the bloodstream and helps return blood to the heart. If a woman has swelling in her shins or feet, exercise will help her solve this problem. Exercises on a stationary bike are especially useful for eliminating swelling in the legs.