What Type of Exercise is Best During Pregnancy?

Low-impact exercise that requires moderate exertion is probably best. The following is a list of physical activities that seem to be comfortable and enjoyable exercises for most pregnant women:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Cycling
• Prenatal yoga

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), many different types of exercise can be safe for most pregnant women.

Follow these recommended guidelines when choosing a pregnancy exercise plan:

• Avoid activities in which you can get hit in the abdomen like kickboxing, soccer, basketball or ice hockey.
• Steer clear of activities in which you can fall like horseback riding, downhill skiing, and gymnastics.
• Do not scuba dive during pregnancy. Scuba diving can create gas bubbles in your baby’s blood that can cause many health problems.