Exercise is encouraged in normal, uncomplicated pregnancies to maintain overall fitness and well-being.  Exercise is also associated with decreased risks of excessive gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery as well as faster recovery from vaginal and cesarean delivery.

Low-risk patients who exercised regularly prior to pregnancy are encouraged to continue moderate-intensity exercise during pregnancy.

However, the recommended types of exercise and the ideal frequency/duration of exercise differ for pregnant patients.

guidelines recommend 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (eg, able to engage in normal conversation during activity) on most or all days of the week.

• During pregnancy, certain types of high-risk exercises are avoided:
• Exercise during pregnancy may exacerbate some obstetric conditions; therefore, it is contraindicated in certain patients.  Exercise should be avoided by:

<aside> 💡 Healthy patients with uncomplicated pregnancies should stop exercising and seek evaluation if symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, leakage of fluid, contractions, or chest pain develop. Most types of exercise (eg, running, weight training) can be continued during pregnancy as tolerated.

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• EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES