Healthy Habits During Pregnancy

Select a topic you would like to learn about:

Being Active

Being physically active 30 minutes each day for most days of the week is good for you and your baby’s growth.

A smiling pregnant woman in a pink tank top flexes her arm next to a timer graphic that reads "30 minutes."

Staying active during pregnancy helps you in many ways

Staying active will:

  • Give you more energy
  • Help relieve stress
  • Reduce back pain
  • Help with constipation
  • Make you feel better
  • Reduce pregnancy complications
  • Help with healthy weight gain
A smiling woman sits on a blue yoga mat, stretching forward to reach her toes.

Being active during pregnancy

Getting 30 minutes of physical activity can be as easy as choosing activities you already enjoy. Talk to your doctor to make sure an activity is safe during pregnancy. Here are some easy ways to be physically active during your pregnancy:
A pregnant woman walks beside a man pushing a toddler in a stroller along a sunny park path.
Walking with friends or family
A pregnant woman smiles as she stretches to reach her toes on a pink yoga mat at home.
Yoga and stretching
A woman in a purple bikini swims in clear, shallow water, seen from below the surface.
Swimming
A smiling woman scoops soil into a clay pot while gardening outdoors among flowers and plants.
Gardening

Exercise safely when pregnant

Consider these precautions before exercising:

  • Dehydration: Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after exercising.
  • Avoid certain positions: Try not to stand still or lie on your back for too long. These positions may cause your blood pressure to decrease for a short time.
  • Safety: Remember to always talk to your doctor about exercises that are safe for you and fit your needs during your pregnancy. Avoid contact sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, sports where you might fall like skiing, and activities outside during hot, humid weather.
A pregnant woman in workout clothes sits on a yoga mat at home, drinking from a water bottle.