Exercising after childbirth is associated with a range of benefits, including improved mental health, cardiometabolic health, and pelvic floor function. A common question among postpartum individuals is, “How much exercise is recommended?” Although recovery varies widely, current evidence-based guidelines offer clear principles to guide a safe and progressive return to movement.

Staying active during pregnancy offers so many benefits from reducing back pain and improving mood, to lowering the risk of gestational diabetes and supporting the health of the growing baby. A common question I hear from pregnant individuals is “How much exercise is safe?”

One of the most common questions I get is “what was your PhD in?” When I say I studied how exercise impacts blood vessel health in pregnancy, I am often met with curiosity and interest, but equally, I am exposed to lots of myths on the topic. Let me debunk some of them for you!