Healthy weight in pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active during pregnancy has many health benefits for mother and baby. 

The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you to cope with labour and get back into shape after the birth. Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable.

Do not exhaust yourself. You may need to slow down as your pregnancy progresses or if your maternity team advises you to.

More information from the NHS on exercise in pregnancy is available via the NHS website. 

South Gloucestershire’s Free Swimming in Pregnancy Scheme

Swimming is a highly beneficial way to stay active during pregnancy and can be performed safely in all three trimesters.  

Circadian Trust who operate Active Lifestyle Centres offers free swimming for pregnant women. 

• To be eligible, you just need to visit your local Active Lifestyle Centre and present your Maternity Notebook, or Maternity Exemption Certificate, or Matb1, (issued by your doctor or midwife), and will also need to show proof of address before your first session.
• Eligibility for free swimming will end 3-weeks after your due date.
• Women can go for a swim during any of the public sessions.

Call Active Lifestyle Centres: 0300 333 0300

Ask your Midwife for more information.