You might be wondering if exercise and strenuous workouts are a good idea when trying to get pregnant. Some conventional wisdom says it can be harmful, while others say it helps you get pregnant faster. What do the experts say? Let’s take a look.
How is physical fitness related to women’s health and conception?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) [1], an active lifestyle is a huge asset when trying to get pregnant. They urge women who are trying to conceive to get regular exercise for the following reasons:
Regular exercise increases stamina and strengthens your heart, which must pump 50 percent more blood during pregnancy to supply oxygen to both mom and baby.
Exercise reduces stress, which in turn helps you sleep better [2].
Exercise helps you stay healthy. Keep in mind that extra weight may increase your risk of complications such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Exercise can also reduce the risk of some pregnancy complications and symptoms like back pain. It also increases stamina during childbirth and allows you to return to your pre-pregnancy levels of health and fitness sooner.
What are the best type of exercises for women planning for pregnancy?
If you are not used to regular physical activity, it’s better to start slow and easy. But if sports and fitness have been a regular part of your life, then it’s ok to continue. During the early weeks of pregnancy, it’s wise to modify the intensity of your workouts and hold off on heavy strength training, such as lifting weights. In general, any aerobic exercise such as swimming, walking, jogging, and riding a stationary bike is perfect for women planning for pregnancy or newly expecting. Other activities you can opt for are pilates, low-impact aerobic or dance classes, and using the elliptical or treadmill in your gym or at home. Pregnancy is not an illness, and regular exercise poses no threat to you or the baby, so stay active and enjoy the many benefits physical activity offers.
Can exercise help you get pregnant?
According to researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia, exercise can boost fertility if a woman cannot get pregnant due to polycystic ovary syndrome, or if she is overweight [3].
