Are You Ready to Recommend Physical Activity for Pregnant People?

Abstract

Apply It! • Prenatal physical activity is associated with approximately a 40% reduction in the odds of developing major pregnancy complications (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes) without increasing the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or a small-for-gestational age baby. • All pregnant individuals who do not have exercise contraindications are encouraged to accumulate 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. • The Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy was developed as a self-administered exercise preparticipation screening tool to identify the small number of individuals who may have a contraindication to prenatal exercise. This document can be used with the Health Care Provider Consultation form for Prenatal Physical Activity to improve communication between the health-care provider, the pregnant individual, and the fitness professional.