Exercise during and after pregnancy has many benefits for you and your baby. When exercising antenatally it can help with pain relief and comfort, healthy weight management, labour preparation, fetal health, strengthening core and pelvic muscles and boosting energy and mood. Postnatally, exercise can help with a faster recovery, improved function, weight loss, core and pelvic floor rehab and healthy mental well-being. By using a personal trainer to assist you in your pregnancy exercise journey, you can benefit from expert knowledge including keeping yourself safe whilst exercising in pregnancy, getting a personalised programme and having someone who will offer support and accountabililty. 

Pregnancy causes a higher risk of diabetes due to increased insulin sensitivity in early pregnancy which is then followed by insulin resistance increasing progressively. Changes in the metabolism of glucose happen to ensure glucose is delivered to the fetus, helping its growth and development. Insulin resistance in the mother starts during the second trimester and peaks in the third trimester. By exercising regularly throughout pregnancy, you can help prevent diabetes in pregnancy and keep glucose levels healthy.

Pregnancy also affects cholesterol and lipid metabolism with LDL cholesterol levels reaching 50% by the time the baby is ready to be born. HDL cholesterol levels also increase in the first half of pregnancy and even though the levels drop in the third trimester they are still 15% higher than pre pregnancy levels. Changes in the metabolism of lipids is necessary for placenta and fetus health. By exercising regularly in pregnancy you can help reduce the negative effects of the necessary increase in LDL and HDL whilst your body prepares for your growing fetus.

Protein intake is also required to increase during pregnancy and the amino acids are delivered across the placenta to the growing fetus. Recommendations suggest having at least 0.9-1g of protein per lb of bodyweight to help reduce risks to the baby, including stillbirth. Protein supplementation in pregnancy can help to keep track of your protein intake especially as protein catabolism is reduced during pregnancy so when exercising muscle growth can slow down. 

During pregnancy your body requires an increase in calcium and there is also a change in absorption of calcium to increase the amount that is absorbed. Calcium is essential for the formation of the fetal skeleton and as such maternal bone density can decrease during pregnancy. By exercising regularly, engaging in weight-bearing exercise and maintaining adequate calcium intake this can be prevented.