Pregnancy is hardly an uncommon condition in women, so what are the ins and out of exercise during those nine months? Harriet Vickers (BMJ’s assistant multimedia producer) talks to Bronwyn Bell (consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist) about the benefits and risks of physical activity from conception to postpartum, and how to look after women at different levels of fitness.

0:00 Conception: Getting in shape before becoming a mum and optimising your chances of conception

2:16 BMI and pregnancy

2:40 Benefits of exercise during pregnancy

4:00 Does exercise put the fetus at risk? The role of core temperature.

5:40 Contact sports and preventing injury during pregnancy

6:00 Absolute contraindications to exercise during pregnancy

8:34 Physiological changes - energy balance and body changes

11:30 Case management - initiating an exercise program in the unfit and newly pregnant woman

12:50 Case management - advising the regularly exercising woman to exercise. The ‘talk rule’ and heart rate as guides.

15:44 Case management - the professional athlete and exercise during pregnancy

17:15 Post-natal exercise advice. Breast feeding and breast support.

See also:
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - Exercise in pregnancy statement
BMJ editorial - Exercise during pregnancy