Physical activities

Caution should be exercised

If sport is generally beneficial, caution is needed: women who do not practice sport activity before pregnancy should avoid beginning a during the first trimester of pregnancy. Wait for the fourth month of gestation to begin a physical activity other than walking, swimming or cycling, in accordance with the following instructions.

However, if you are a sports long, you can continue this activity, but without increasing the intensity or frequency during the first quarter.

The recommended sports

Here is a partial list of activities that can be done safely if you follow some basic precautions.


Water activities are very beneficial during pregnancy. Indeed, the water 'gate' the body, relieves and reduces the work of muscles and joints more fragile during pregnancy. In this context, swimming is excellent because it increases cardiac capacity, the backstroke is particularly recommended for pregnant women.

Ditto for walking, which improves blood circulation, maintains respiratory capacity and promotes relaxation.
Specially designed for pregnant women, prenatal exercise programs strengthen the muscles that occur during pregnancy and childbirth (especially the muscles around the vagina and pelvic and abdominal muscles). These exercises reduce the risk of bladder, relieve and reduce back pain and facilitate the work at the time of delivery.

Finally, dance and gymnastics - performed moderately - yoga and cycling can help you stay fit, as the volume of your stomach allows it ...

Activities not recommended

After the fourth month, avoid activities that involve risk of falling (loss of balance are more common during pregnancy) or cause shocks or jolts: horseback riding, skiing, mountaineering, running , tennis, team sports, combat sports, martial arts and diving. This list is not exhaustive.