{"id":290513,"date":"2023-11-28T13:58:09","date_gmt":"2023-11-28T18:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=290513"},"modified":"2025-06-11T12:21:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T16:21:30","slug":"exercising-during-pregnancy-may-help-reduce-the-risk-of-high-blood-pressure-or-preeclampsia","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/290513\/exercising-during-pregnancy-may-help-reduce-the-risk-of-high-blood-pressure-or-preeclampsia\/","title":{"rendered":"Exercising during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Preeclampsia<\/a> and high blood pressure that develop during pregnancy, called gestational hypertension, are common conditions. Your healthcare provider will likely check your blood pressure at every prenatal appointment to screen for these conditions. This is because high blood pressure and preeclampsia can have negative effects on you and your baby\u2019s health. You can do things to reduce your risk, including exercise. Here is some information to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much should I exercise?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A 2017 study showed that 30 to 60 minutes of exercise two to seven times per week may reduce hypertension. If possible, try to space out exercise during the week. This rest may help your body recharge.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the best kind of exercise?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There isn\u2019t one \u201cbest\u201d kind of exercise. It depends on your level of comfort and what you enjoy. For example, if you were a runner before becoming pregnant, you can likely continue. If you\u2019re new to exercise, try fast walks and low-impact<\/a> options such as prenatal yoga, walking, light weights, and swimming. See how you feel and shift your plan as needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What exercise should I not do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This will depend on your health. However, some exercises are usually riskier<\/a> than others. Try to avoid exercises that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Involve collision, physical contact, and falling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. You haven\u2019t done it before becoming pregnant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Make you feel overly tired<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What are the risks?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you have a healthy pregnancy, exercising while pregnant has no known risks. It will not increase your risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, or early delivery.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Is there anything else I should remember?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Yes! Here\u2019s what to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Listen to your body <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Focus on what works for you <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Work with a trusted healthcare provider <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      You and your healthcare provider can work together to make sure you are safe and comfortable. You can also read more about preeclampsia and exercise below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Read More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n