How much exercise is recommended during pregnancy?
Quick answer: ACOG recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week during pregnancy, spread across the week, plus strength conditioning exercise.
What ACOG says
ACOG's patient FAQ: "Ideally, pregnant women should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week." It explains: "You can divide the 150 minutes into 30-minute workouts on 5 days of the week or into smaller 10-minute workouts throughout each day." For beginners: "Begin with as little as 5 minutes a day. Add 5 minutes each week until you can stay active for 30 minutes a day."
Source: ACOG: Exercise During Pregnancy
Committee Opinion 804 gives the same target "during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This activity should be spread throughout the week." It says people with uncomplicated pregnancies "should be encouraged to engage in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises before, during, and after pregnancy."
Source: ACOG Committee Opinion 804
Committee Opinion 804 also notes that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans "reinforces prior recommendations of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy and the postpartum period." The second edition of those guidelines remains current.
Source: HHS Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
Questions about your own pregnancy, birth or recovery belong with your doctor or primary healthcare provider.
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MOMDAY is not a healthcare provider. This article shares general information from public health sources such as ACOG and is educational only, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk with your doctor or primary healthcare provider about what is right for you, and never delay seeking care because of something you read here. If you think you have an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.