Exercising during pregnancy can benefit many expecting mothers – especially those with asthma. Beki Tovey shares five tips for safely increasing activity during pregnancy. Remember to ask your doctor for advice before starting a new exercise routine.

Hi guys - good news! I'm seven months pregnant and expecting the arrival of our new family member in February 2023.

As someone with asthma, I worried about how pregnancy would impact my symptoms, especially in the third trimester. The baby would be much more grown by then, putting more pressure on my lungs and making me breathless. I've been pretty lucky so far, but I take my time going up the stairs now!

5 steps to exercising safely with asthma during pregnancy

1. Discuss your pregnancy and asthma with your healthcare team

You can find lots of advice about managing asthma during pregnancy. But, today, I want to focus on the benefits of exercise - for both physical and mental well-being.

Inform your midwife about your asthma early on and make sure it's added to your pregnancy notes and birth plan. Likewise, ask your healthcare team which activities are safe to continue during pregnancy. Hint: probably not skydiving or full-contact kickboxing (haha).

During your pregnancy, carry on with your regular asthma check-ups. Consult your healthcare provider before continuing or stopping any medication during pregnancy. Many medicines are safe to use, but always, always check.

2. Stay active during your pregnancy

I massively advocate for my fellow people with asthma to embrace exercise. Exercise helps control breathing, build lung capacity, and release feel-good endorphins.

Research shows active women experience fewer problems in the later stages of pregnancy and labor. So, although you may have to adapt your workout routine to suit your changing condition, keep up with daily physical activity for as long as you feel comfortable.

I have kept as active as I can over the last few months. Still, I'm not going to lie – my usual running and cycling have taken a bit of a back seat. I struggled with nausea a lot in the first trimester. Although I managed a five-kilometer park run at six weeks pregnant, I had to take lots of pauses. Mainly to stop myself from throwing up in the hedge!

I continued to cycle for a bit longer. There was less bouncing around, and I loved exploring off-road routes with my family during the summer. I could ride at a slower pace without worrying about traffic around me.

3. Adapt your lifestyle to your changing condition

You may need to slow down as your pregnancy progresses. Exercise doesn't have to be hard to be helpful; being able to talk without getting out of breath is a good goal.

Now I'm into my final trimester, I'm more focused on daily walks in the fresh air. I've also rediscovered my love for yoga and go to a weekly pregnancy yoga class. It has been fantastic for dealing with the aches and pains of growing a tiny human.

Pregnancy yoga also helps with my headspace as I navigate pregnancy's mental challenges. As it's an in-person class, I've been lucky to connect with other women on the same journey. And thank goodness - I feel like my irrational crying or constant need to go to the toilet is more "normal!"

4. Avoid comparing yourself with others

I will focus on sustaining a healthy activity level as I go into the "fourth trimester"/post-birth period. That said, I'm under no illusion that I know how everything will play out. All bodies are different. Everyone experiences pregnancy differently - especially with an underlying health condition like asthma.

Still, it's been tough not to compare myself to others, especially on social media. In the weeks before and after my baby is born, I'll focus on recovering and caring for my child instead of comparing myself to other moms on Instagram.

5. Take your time post-partum; there’s no need to rush

I won't worry about "bouncing back" or losing "baby weight" right after having a baby. I need to take it slow. Gentle walks can help lift my mood and ease the tiredness from lack of sleep.

Depending on the baby's due date, the season may present extra asthma triggers to cope with. In the winter, frosty weather triggers my asthma symptoms, so I layer up when heading outside. This will be doubly important when the baby arrives.

I'm also looking into some postnatal exercise classes. I enjoyed pregnancy yoga and would love to experience the connection and social interaction again.

After having a baby, your life will be more focused on family for a while. However, taking care of your mental well-being is essential, too, so consider joining some social activities.

It's best to wait until after your six-week postnatal check before starting high-impact exercise again. Aerobics and running are fun, but not doing too much and too soon is essential.

Listen to your body, pace yourself, and make sure you get plenty of rest.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01433 DECEMBER 2024