Exercise during pregnancy can have a positive effect on both mother and child. Studies show that exercise and sport can prevent excessive weight gain. Exercise can also reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. The risk of premature birth and pre-eclampsia (pregnancy poisoning) also appears to be reduced.
Exercise improves vitality and strengthens the musculoskeletal system. The recommendation for exercise during pregnancy is 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. However, this only applies if the pregnancy is free of complications. Moderate exercise includes sports such as hiking, walking, swimming and light aerobics. Sports with a high risk of falling (e.g. horse riding, skiing) or those with a high risk of abdominal injury (e.g. football, basketball) should be avoided.
