Why Resistance Training is Important During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Physical Therapy, Holly Springs, NC
If able, exercise during pregnancy should be considered necessary as part of your pregnancy
journey. While walking and aerobic exercise are commonly recommended, strength work with
weights or resistance bands may offer unique benefits. Previous research was limited and
inconsistent on this however a recent article titled “Resistance training in pregnancy:
systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy, delivery, fetal and pelvic floor
outcomes and call to action” breaks down new information.
Researchers pulled together all the best available studies on the topic to answer a big question:
Does resistance training during pregnancy influence outcomes for the pregnant person,
the baby, labor and delivery, or pelvic floor health?
They included: 47,619 pregnant participants from 14 countries and 50 studies.
They found that resistance training can:
- Lower Risk of High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions compared to usual care or no resistance
training
- Gestational Hypertension
- Gestational Diabetes
- Perinatal Mood Disorders
- Provide Fetal Benefits
- Fewer causes of macrosomina (when a baby grows very large before birth)
They reported resistance training provided no clear benefits or harms in regard to:
- C-section rates
- Perineal tearing
- Instrumental delivery (forceps/vacuum)
- Length of labor
Resistance training during pregnancy appears safe and beneficial for preventing gestational
hypertension, gestational diabetes, mood disorders, and large birth weight when compared to
standard care. It does not seem to increase risks of negative outcomes like cesarean section or
pelvic floor problems.
Real benefits likely depend on how resistance training is done including exercise selection,
intensity, and progression. It is important to have thoughtfully prescribed and supervised
activities that are tailored to your medical history. You should always discuss exercise with your
healthcare provider or Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist prior to starting.
Dr. Nicole Perna, PT, DPT
Evolve Physical Therapy
