Whether you prefer yoga classes, swimming, spinning, or just going for a run round the block, there are a whole host of health benefits linked to exercising while you are pregnant.
After the initial morning sickness and over tiredness starts to subside, you may find that staying active will improve your mood, reduce stress, boost your energy, encourage better sleep, and it will also be easier for you to get back into shape after the birth.
According to a report in the British Medical Journal, it can also lower the odds of pregnancy and delivery complications.
London Gynaecology’s fitness ambassador, Ellie Baker stresses that “there are no direct links between exercise and miscarriage.” She also recommends exercise to “improve posture and massively reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling to make your pregnancy feel a lot more comfortable.”
But which exercises should you be focusing on? Simone De La Rue, celebrity trainer and founder of the Body By Simone studios in California, New York and London advises to, “definitely do kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. I did these whilst sitting down (on a chair or exercise ball), holding your pelvic floor in contraction for up to 10 seconds, and releasing, and repeating. This will help you when it comes to labour. Similarly, the upper body will need a lot of strength once your child is born as holding the baby and breast feeding will affect your posture after birth. Find workouts which will strengthen your back, lats, rhomboids and shoulders."
Ultimately—if you have any worries, consult your GP or obstetrician.
While it was once near impossible to find stylish fitness wear that is both attractive and supportive, there are now more brands than ever providing designated maternity activewear with a focus on high performance clothing with optimum comfort.
Best Maternity Activewear 2020
ASOS Maternity
The high street saviour offer one of the most diverse ranges of performance wear out there with maternity iterations of the key pieces. With options for all kinds of workouts, check of the retailer’s in-house label 4505 as well as pieces from the likes of Speedo and Mamalicious.
Spanx
Spanx may have long been your go-to for support before your pregnancy, so why not extend that to your maternity fitness wear?
The brand uses a patented Mama Magic Technology that has your back throughout the nine months and beyond so you can achieve your mission to stay active. The seamless stretch-jersey trousers will grow alongside your bump and feature a supportive high-rise waist.
Fitta Mamma
Fitta Mamma is just the ticket for workout wonders that will meet your needs during and after your pregnancy. The activewear offers the next level of support for all the areas that most need it, including your back and boobs.
The pieces are technically designed to lift and hold your bump in place with an elastic strap that sits under your bump to take the weight off. They are composed of a sweat-wicking and highly elasticated material that expands and returns throughout and post-pregnancy. The leggings are fitted with an easily adjustable waist panel that can be stretched over or under your bump. The items are also fully opaque and so will avoid that dreaded see-through at the bum thing.
GapFit
The American label has a designated maternity gym wear selection in its GapFit collection that is exclusively available to shop online. The range is made up of everything you could possible need in your fitness-related arsenal. Think T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, leggings, running shorts, hiking shorts, and nursing sports bras. The pieces are offered in versatile shades of charcoal and black that are stretchy yet fitted and sit under your bump. We envisage that these will become your go-to whether you are training, shopping or going to the cinema in your activewear.
Sweaty Betty
Activewear extraordinaire Sweaty Betty provides easy-to-wear and comfortable pieces that look just as chic in the gym as they do for every day. The maternity-ready fitness wear takes a super soft approach to its collections without sacrificing on performance. With sweat-wicking fabrics, the gymwear will stretch with the body and keep you supported throughout your yoga, barre, or pilates class.
Mamalicious
This brand specialises in pregnancy activewear to make sure that you have no excuse not to get up and go. Mamalicious uses super comfortable materials with an emphasis on fit so you can wear the same pieces throughout your pregnancy that will highlight your bump in the best possible way. For pregnancy dressing made easy, the pieces offer both comfort and support with elasticated and rib details.
Asquith
Asquith offers activewear that is specifically designed for yoga and pilates and uses only eco-friendly, bamboo and organic cotton. The products are responsibly made with a sustainable twist to have a low environmental impact and are naturally anti-bacterial and so are ideal for sensitive skin.The quality pieces will mould to your body with impressive stretch capabilities.
Seraphine
The celebrity favourite label is best-known for its luxury maternity clothing and is already a firm favourite with the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Doutzen Kroes. Encouraging you to stay active throughout your pregnancy, whether you prefer to jog, gym or swim, Seraphine has the get fit essentials that even extends to swimwear.
The innovative, adaptable soft fleece-lined maternity hoodie can transform with an extra panel into a baby carrier or sling, making it an ideal piece for walks or outdoor adventures. For a stylish gym to brunch piece, the maternity and nursing sweater makes feeding easy once the baby has arrived and will ensure you look good while doing it.
From £15 | Seraphine | Buy it now
Isabella Oliver
London-based label Isabella Oliver has effortlessly chic maternity wear that uses only sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics. The pieces are composed of natural fibres that biodegrade faster without harmful chemicals released. Get active throughout your pregnancy with fitness wear that has optimum comfort in a relaxed yet flattering fit.
The covetable clothing will help you nail off both your on and off-duty look, while adapting alongside your growing bump with cleverly placed side zips.
Leo & I
If you are looking for support from your workout wear, the athleisure pieces at Leo & I are definitely worth a browse. The modern designs have a sophisticated technical construction with high performance fabrics and a super soft silk feel. The luxuriously soft essentials will become your go-to. They come in rich colours and can be fashioned for any intensity workouts.
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