Pre- and Postnatal Exercise
Prenatal exercise
During pregnancy it is not advisable to try and increase fitness; however, expectant mothers should be looking to maintain fitness levels to aid pregnancy and assist in their return to training following the birth.

Benefits of exercising while pregnant include improved circulation, reduced swelling and reduced weight gain. Pregnant women who exercise can also maintain a more positive self-image, and some studies have shown that regular exercise may lead to an easier, shorter labour with a reduction in perceived pain.

Postnatal exercise
After giving birth it is recommended that women do not exercise for a minimum of 6 weeks (or 8–10 weeks if a Caesarean birth). On returning to exercise, the main areas of focus are a return to pre-pregnancy weight, improvement in abdominal tone and an improved body image.

Benefits of postnatal exercise include an increase in stamina, energy, weight loss and self-confidence.