Training Considerations During Pregnancy

by Jalyssa Walker, MS, MBA
Personal Training Quarterly May 2025
Vol 11, Issue 3

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This article explores the possible advantages of staying active during pregnancy and how it can positively impact health and well-being.

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This article originally appeared in Personal Training Quarterly (PTQ)—a quarterly publication for NSCA Members designed specifically for the personal trainer. Discover easy-to-read, research-based articles that take your training knowledge further with Nutrition, Programming, and Personal Business Development columns in each quarterly, electronic issue. Read more articles from PTQ »

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REFERENCES

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  2. Budler, LC, and Budler, M. Physical activity during pregnancy: A systematic review for the assessment of current evidence with future recommendations. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation 14(1): 2022.
  3. Chiodo, LM, Bailey, B, Sokol, RJ, Janisse, J, Delaney-Black, V, and Hannigan, JH. Recognized spontaneous abortion in mid-pregnancy and patterns of pregnancy alcohol use. Alcohol 46(3): 261-267, 2012.
  4. Cooper, DB, and Yang, L. Pregnancy and exercise. StatPearls -NCBI Bookshelf. 2023. Retrieved 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/books/NBK430821/.
  5. Corrigan, L, Moran, P, McGrath, N, Eustace-Cook, J, and Daly, D. The characteristics and effectiveness of pregnancy yoga interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 22(1): 250, 2022.
  6. Duchette, C, Perera, M, Arnett, S, White, E, Belcher, E, and Tinius, R. benefits of resistance training during pregnancy for maternal and fetal health: A brief overview. International Journal of Women’s Health 16: 1137-1147, 2024.
  7. Guinhouya, BC, Duclos, M, Enea, C, and Storme, L. Beneficial effects of maternal physical activity during pregnancy on fetal, newborn, and child health: Guidelines for interventions during the perinatal period from the French National College of Midwives. Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health 67(S1): 2022.
  8. McKown, L. Safe and effective weight loss while pregnant: Managing your health and body. Butler University. Butler Health Blogs. 2023. Retrieved 2024 from https://blogs.butler.edu/jgries/2023/07/05/en-how-to-lose-weight-while-pregnant-fast/.
  9. Longo, SA, Moore, RC, Canzoneri, BJ, and Robichaux, A. Gastrointestinal conditions during pregnancy. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery 23(2): 80-89, 2010.
  10. Mahindru, A, Patil, P, and Agrawal, V. Role of physical activity on mental health and well-being: A review. Cureus 15(1): e33475, 2023.
  11. McCarthy, TA, Velez, SM, Buckman, JF, and Spaeth, AM. The role of meeting exercise and nutrition guidelines on sleep during pregnancy. Nutrients 15(19): 4213, 2023.
  12. Meyers, MF. 8 benefits of exercise during pregnancy. The Bump. October 25, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2024, from https://www.thebump.com/a/benefits-of-exercise-during-pregnancy.
  13. Miscarriage - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. September 8, 2023. Retrieved 2024 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298.
  14. O’Connor, PJ, Poudevigne, MS, Johnson, KE, Brito De Araujo, J, and Ward-Ritacco, CL. Effects of resistance training on fatigue-related domains of quality of life and mood during pregnancy: A randomized trial in pregnant women with increased risk of back pain. Psychosomatic Medicine 80(3): 327-332, 2018.
  15. Pelletier, M, and Natalist. Electrolytes during pregnancy: What to know. April 1, 2024. Retrieved 2024 from https://natalist.com/blogs/learn/electrolytes-during-pregnancy-what-to-know.
  16. Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period: ACOG committee opinion. Number 804. Obstetrics and Gynecology 135(4): e178-e188, 2020.
  17. Pineles, BL, Park, E, and Samet, JM. Systematic review and meta-analysis of miscarriage and maternal exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy. American Journal of Epidemiology 179(7): 807-823, 2014.
  18. Pires, TF, Pires, PM, Costa, R, and Viana, R. Effects of pelvic floor muscle training in pregnant women. Porto Biomedical Journal 5(5): e077, 2020.
  19. Pregnancy loss. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Retrieved April 3, 2024 from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancyloss.
  20. Rise, E, Bø, K, and Nystad, W. Is there any association between abdominal strength training before and during pregnancy and delivery outcome? The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy 23(2): 108-115, 2019.
  21. Syed, H, Slayman, T, and Thoma, KD. ACOG committee opinion No. 804: Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Obstetrics and Gynecology 137(2): 375-376, 2021.
  22. Understanding the myofascial slings and supporting prenatal comfort. MamasteFit. Retrieved 2024 from https://mamastefit. com/understanding-the-myofascial-slings/.
  23. Watkins, VY, O’Donnell, CM, Perez, M, Zhao, P, England, S, Carter, EB, et al. The impact of physical activity during pregnancy on labor and delivery. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 225(4): e1-437, 2021.

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