Advancing practice:a low-risk pregnancy group session antenatal fitness programme for the second trimester

Exercise in pregnancy has been shown to decrease macrosomia, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, caesarean delivery, low back pain, pelvic girdle pain and urinary incontinence (). Common examples of cardiovascular exercise include cycling, stair steppers, ellipticals, swimming, aerobic dance, walking and yoga. It is recommended that exercise should be vigorous enough to elevate the heart rate to approximately 110-120 beats per minute. This does vary with age: however, the average pregnant woman is between 18-35 years of age.