Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Food & Health

Is It Safe to Work Out While Pregnant?​

Is It Safe to Work Out While Pregnant?

pregnant woman practicing yoga and keeping an eye on her heart rate while exercising

During pregnancy, your body undergoes numerous changes to support the growth of your baby. They can cause fatigue and aches and pains, so it makes sense why many pregnant women may be hesitant to expend any of their energy on exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, working out during pregnancy has many benefits, including a lower risk of gestational diabetes and reduced backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling.

Is it necessary to keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minute while pregnant?

“The 140-beat-per-minute limit is an outdated number,” says Rachel Trotta, a NASM-certified personal trainer who specializes in pre- and post-natal fitness. So the answer is no.

According to Megan Gray, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at Orlando Health Physician Associates, these guidelines were once the norm because it was thought that raising your heart rate too high could affect blood flow and oxygen levels for your baby. However, she claims that there isn’t enough research to make a recommendation for an ideal heart rate while exercising during pregnancy.

Von Keller Blog is an informational website with public news, company insights and reports of our companies events, news, press and blogging. Let’s Chat.