Strengthening your muscles will help your body carry the extra weight while you're pregnant.
Combining physical activity with a healthy diet can increase your chance of maintaining a healthier weight during your pregnancy.
Healthy eating during pregnancy
Active for up to 30 minutes
It's best to be physically active 5 times a week during pregnancy for 30 minutes or more.
This can help you:
- reduce bloating and swelling
- reduce backache or constipation
- maintain your muscle strength and fitness
- increase your energy levels
- improve your mood and feeling of wellbeing
- prevent or treat gestational diabetes
- reduce high blood pressure
- improve your posture
- prepare for labour and birth
Risks of not being active
Not being active during pregnancy may lead to:
- loss of muscular and cardiovascular fitness
- excessive weight gain
- increased risk of gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy)
- varicose veins
- physical problems such as lower back pain