The more active you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to keep active after childbirth. It will also help your body to cope with labour and support your health and wellbeing after the birth. Please refer to this page on the NHS website about exercising during pregnancy.
Exercising after having a baby is also important. When you're feeling tired, being active may seem like the last thing you want to do. But regular activity can relax you as well as help you feel more energetic. It can also help your body recover after childbirth and may help prevent postnatal depression.
Information, Advice and Guidance
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN MATERNITY POSTERS - Download Here (Zip Archive, 2 Mb)
Benefits of Being Active During Pregnancy
Benefits of Being Active Post Pregnancy
Keeping your Pelvic Floor Strong
Squeezy is a multi-award-winning app supporting people with their pelvic floor muscle exercise programmes. It is designed by chartered physiotherapists specialising in women’s and men’s pelvic health and recommended by the NHS Apps Library. This short animation introduces the Squeezy App.
Online Workouts
This online resource aims to support pregnant and postnatal women to be active at home. The workouts are delivered by qualified pre- and postnatal instructors and were reviewed by a panel expert. There is a range of workout content including activities at low, moderate and vigorous intensities.
Top Tips for Getting Active During Pregnancy
The 'Find Your Active' resources were written in collaboration with experts, in the context of the national guidance. These mum-facing resources provide top tips and do's/don'ts about a range of activities to guide women through pregnancy and beyond.
Pregnant and Postnatal Activity Finder
The This Girl Can campaign was developed by Sport England to promote physical activity amongst women. The Activity Finder comprises a collection of activities and information to learn more about them. Note, not all activities will be suitable for pregnant and postnatal women.
This Girl Can Classes
This Girl Can Classes provide a welcoming beginner's programme, where getting it wrong is totally alright. The classes give participants the confidence to try new moves, understand different fitness class options, and even make new friends. Note, not all activities will be suitable for pregnant and postnatal women.
Exercise, Movement and Dance Classes
The Exercise, Movement and Dance (EMD) class finder is the UK's largest directory of group exercise classes, aimed at getting people active by finding classes local to them. Note, not all activities will be suitable for pregnant and postnatal women.
Getting Active at Home
This online resource aims to support pregnant and postnatal women to be active at home. The workouts are delivered by qualified pre- and postnatal instructors and were reviewed by a panel expert. There is a range of workout content including activities at low, moderate and vigorous intensities.
Couch to Fitness
A programme that is aimed at individuals to get active from the comfort of their own home with Couch to Fitness by Our Parks. Endorsed by The Active Pregnancy foundation these two programmes are focussed on pre- and postnatal activities and designed by experts to meet the needs of women in these stages of life.
Click here to access the programme.
Getting Active with Your Baby
Tummy Time
This NHS site promotes physical activity through playing with babies.
Born to Move
Produced by Kent Community Trust, the Born to Move website and downloadable App provides advice to help babies move and develop.
TBlaze Trails is a community of parents who support each other to get outdoors and go walking with their babies.
Swimming in pregnancy
These guides provide advice on swimming in pregnancy that can be shared with women. These first two links provide the context and background to the development of the guide
Can I go swimming during pregnancy? - click here to open website.
All you need to know about swimming when pregnant - click here to open website.
The following guide can be downloaded and shared with women
CIMSPA Member Directory
This provides a directory of qualified and recognised physical activity professionals.
Guidelines for Physical Activity during Pregnancy and After Childbirth
These two short animations have been produced by Active Pregnancy Foundation in association with Dr Claire Spalding and are based on the Chief Medical Officers' (CMO) Guidelines for Physical Activity during pregnancy and after childbirth (birth to 12 months). They are aimed at Mums and provide information in an accessible format.
Tummy Time
This NHS site promotes physical activity through playing with babies.
Born to Move
Produced by Kent Community Trust, the Born to Move website and downloadable App provides advice to help babies move and develop.
TBlaze Trails is a community of parents who support each other to get outdoors and go walking with their babies.
