Exercise during pregnancy
Exercise also helps to build muscle tone, strength and stamina – all of which will help your body cope with pregnancy weight gain.
Exercise can also make it easier to regain pre-pregnancy fitness levels after the birth.
But remember that the appropriate level of exercise will depend on how fit you were before you became pregnant. So don't suddenly start an exercise routine that you previously wouldn't have been comfortable with, and never exercise to lose weight during pregnancy as this may harm your baby.
Recent research by the University of Edinburgh found that obese pregnant women have a raised risk of complications compared to those of a healthy weight. If you feel you fit into this category, then you should raise your concerns immediately with your GP or midwife.
Around West Sussex
Pre and post-natal exercise classes are available at many leisure centres across the county. Give your local centre a call or look at the leisure section on the district council websites.
Pavilions in The Park in Horsham (01403 219200) offers Aqua Natal classes weekly.
Billingshurst Leisure Centre (01403 787500) offers Aqua Easy aqua classes weekly.
Westgate Leisure in Chichester offers both pre and post-natal exercise classes. These include Bump and Splash, a water based ante-natal class, Pregnancy Pilates, which is an evening class, and Mummy and me Pilates, which is a post-natal class for new mums and their babies. Contact Tammy Bridger on 01243 521103.
Ante-natal Aqua classes also take place at the Aquarena in Worthing (01903 218219).
