Keep active during your pregnancy

If pregnancy is making you tired, or you’re suffering from morning sickness, keeping active is probably the last thing on your mind. But regular exercise will make you fitter as well as improve muscle tone, strength and endurance.

This will help you manage the extra weight you’re carrying during pregnancy, provide additional strength during labour (and believe me the more energy and stamina you’ve got the better!) and make it easier to get back into shape after your baby is born.

Exercise also improves your circulation and eases heartburn, which minimises the risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Babies born to active women tend to be leaner and develop more quickly too.

If you exercised regularly before you were pregnant, it's safe to continue most activities now. Make sure you consult with your midwife or doctor first though. If you didn't exercise much before then opt for gentle workouts that are designed for pregnancy, such as an aquanatal class, pregnancy yoga or pilates.

Organised sport isn’t for everyone, but never fear, there are plenty of other ways you can keep fit without breaking your daily routine:

Walk as much as you can – walk instead of driving or getting public transport to work, take a long way round to the local shops, take the stairs instead of a lift, walk your other children to activities instead of driving them
Try gardening – even weeding is great exercise
Step up the housework – yes, we know it’s a chore, but it’s like a mini workout without leaving the comfort of your home!
Turn up the music and have a small bop around the house

Our pick of the best maternity activewear this season

Whether you’re stepping up your activities at home, heading off to a class, or jogging through your favourite park, it’s important to wear the right, supportive activewear during pregnancy.

There are lots of fabulous brands out there selling functional and yet stylish outfits, specifically designed for pregnant women. And recently some of our high street favourites like Topshop and ASOS have launched maternity activewear collections. Here’s our pick of the very best out there.

FittaMamma

FittaMamma maternity sportswear supports your bump just like your sports bra supports your boobs. Their fitness wear reduces movement, lifting and holding your bump securely. In fact, their clothes have been verified (by the University of Portsmouth) for 48% reduction of bump bounce.

FittaMamma OM Pregnancy Yoga Support Top £34.99

From their Ultimate Maternity Sportswear range to their new Motivational Slogan Tops collection, maternity activewear doesn’t come much more stylish than this! And Made for Mums think so too - they’ve recently given FittaMamma the Gold award for best in maternity clothes brand.

Isabella Oliver Maternity Active Vest £65

This active vest is crafted in technical jersey which wicks moisture away from the body. The gathered ruching expands with growing bumps and we love the double strap details at the back.

Two-piece active kit from Seraphine £69

This stylish combo is made up of a secure, super-breathable racerback tank top and workout pants that offer a comfy seamless waistband. Suitable for any activity and stylish to boot.