TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Together Against RSV
  • SG60
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Holiday Hub
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Exercising while pregnant may benefit your baby's long-term health

3 min read
Exercising while pregnant may benefit your baby's long-term health

There are many benefits of exercise during pregnancy, but this is the first time researchers have found a link to offspring's long-term health

New research has found that exercise during pregnancy may lead to children’s long-term health benefits, reports Psychology Today.

Researchers from the University of Kentucky, led by associate professor Kevin Pearson of the university’s Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, found that the offspring of mice who exercised had better stress resistance and improved insulin sensitivity compared to those born to sedentary mothers. These traits were carried into adulthood.

benefits of exercise during pregnancy

Though the study was conducted on rodents, the researchers believe that this can probably be applied to humans too. “Our findings highlight pregnancy as a sensitive period when positive lifestyle interventions could have significant and long-lasting beneficial effects on offspring metabolism and disease risk,” the research team wrote in a media release.

These findings are consistent with the recommendations of plenty of medical experts, who have been recommending exercise during pregnancy for reasons other than the child’s long-term health.

“You need to be physically active during pregnancy,” high-risk pregnancy expert Dr. Laura Riley tells WebMD. “It has terrific benefits that are associated with a better pregnancy outcome and even shorter labors. It’s a win-win for baby and for mom.”

On the next page: tips on exercising safely while pregnant.

Here are a few tips from BabyCenter on how to exercise safely while pregnant

How much exercise is safe for pregnancy?

One rule of thumb is if you exercised regularly before pregnancy, you can probably continue your exercise regime. However, it’s best to consult with your doctor first, especially if you want to start or change your exercise routine.

Choose safe sports

You should definitely use your common sense when choosing your exercises. Avoid contact sports like basketball, as well as those that come with a risk of falling—surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc.

benefits of exercise during pregnancy

Photo: Dreamstime

Don’t exercise in high heat

When you’re pregnant, you get overheated faster because of your increased blood flow and higher metabolic rate. If you’re feeling dizzy, nauseated, or short of breath, stop and cool off. Make sure that you stay hydrated as well.

Partner Stories
Not Just a Bite – The Hidden Costs of Dengue for Families in Singapore
Not Just a Bite – The Hidden Costs of Dengue for Families in Singapore
Mom, Is Your Baby's Mouth Ulcer Keeping You Up at Night?
Mom, Is Your Baby's Mouth Ulcer Keeping You Up at Night?
Comfort, Care, and Confidence for New Mums  with PEM Confinement Nannies
Comfort, Care, and Confidence for New Mums with PEM Confinement Nannies
Balabala Brings More Fun to VivoCity with its Grand Opening!
Balabala Brings More Fun to VivoCity with its Grand Opening!

Moderation is key

Now is not the time to push your body to the limit. You should be able to do at least 20-30 minutes of exercise, but moderately.

Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. 

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Cristina Morales

  • Home
  • /
  • Pregnancy
  • /
  • Exercising while pregnant may benefit your baby's long-term health
Share:
  • SG60 List: Changi Airport Named World’s Best for 13th Time, Dominates Skytrax Awards in 2025

    SG60 List: Changi Airport Named World’s Best for 13th Time, Dominates Skytrax Awards in 2025

  • SG60 List: Li Ling Yung‑Hryniewiecki Makes Waves as First Singaporean Woman to Swim the English Channel

    SG60 List: Li Ling Yung‑Hryniewiecki Makes Waves as First Singaporean Woman to Swim the English Channel

  • SG60 List: Singaporean Runner Sets World Record by Running the London Marathon in a Suit

    SG60 List: Singaporean Runner Sets World Record by Running the London Marathon in a Suit

  • SG60 List: Changi Airport Named World’s Best for 13th Time, Dominates Skytrax Awards in 2025

    SG60 List: Changi Airport Named World’s Best for 13th Time, Dominates Skytrax Awards in 2025

  • SG60 List: Li Ling Yung‑Hryniewiecki Makes Waves as First Singaporean Woman to Swim the English Channel

    SG60 List: Li Ling Yung‑Hryniewiecki Makes Waves as First Singaporean Woman to Swim the English Channel

  • SG60 List: Singaporean Runner Sets World Record by Running the London Marathon in a Suit

    SG60 List: Singaporean Runner Sets World Record by Running the London Marathon in a Suit

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
  • Family Occasions
  • Lifestyle
  • Normal Delivery
  • Ages & Stages
  • Trying To Conceive
  • News
  • TAP Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
© Copyright theAsianparent 2025. All rights reserved
About Us|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it