The resources and guidelines listed below are intended to assist expectant mothers to achieve healthy pregnancies. Current research says that healthy pregnant women (no obstretrical or medical problems) can safely participate in moderate aerobic activity and muscular conditioning programs. It is important to consult your physician or midwife before starting or changing an exercise program.
There are two main types of exercise:
In this episode of She Leads Science, Dr. Liz Joy sits down with Dr. Michelle Mottola, a globally recognized leader whose work has helped transform exercise during pregnancy from a source of caution and confusion into an evidence-based standard of care. Together, they explore Dr. Mottola’s scientific journey, her leadership in advancing maternal health research, and the growing global recognition that cardiometabolic health during pregnancy can shape a woman’s future risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The conversation highlights her groundbreaking work on gestational diabetes, exercise safety, and the long-term health implications of pregnancy, as well as her success in translating research into practice through the Nutrition and Exercise Lifestyle Intervention Program (NELIP). Dr. Mottola also shares one of her most memorable and practical messages for pregnant women: don’t eat for two, eat twice as healthy! This episode is a compelling look at the science, leadership, and global impact of exercise during pregnancy.
In this podcast Marc Roig interviews leaders in the field of exercise prescription. In this episode, Dr. Michelle Mottola talks about exercise during pregnancy. Learn More.
The new 2019 Canadian Guideline is evidence-based and will provide safe recommendations for being physically active throughout pregnancy. Learn More.
New evidence-based guideline outlines the right amount of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep women should get during the postpartum period to support maternal and infant health and wellbeing. Learn More.
The Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy is a medical screening document for pregnant individuals to complete prior to being active. Download the document here.
The Get Active Questionnaire for Postpartum is a pre-screening tool to ensure that it is safe and an enjoyable experience for the postpartum parent to be physically active after giving birth. Download the document here.
This is a companion document to the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy created for the Health Care Provider to assist in examining the health of pregnant individuals who wish to be active.
Download the document here.
A woman's nutritional and overall health, before and during pregnancy, influences the health of her developing baby. Eating well, combined with taking a daily multivitamin, can give a woman the nutrients she needs to feel good, have energy, and support a healthy pregnancy.
Learn more from Health Canada.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) offers prenatal health education and physical activity programs to support new and expecting mothers in making the best decision for their own health and that of their babies.
Learn more about the prenatal health education courses and physical activity information offered by the MLHU.
Being active while pregnant is good for you and your baby. Start now – every minute counts!. Learn More.
