Is It Safe to Work Out While Pregnant? Here’s What the Experts Say

September 16, 2025

You just saw those two pink lines, or maybe you’re a few months into pregnancy and staring at your sneakers wondering: Should I even be working out right now? Is it safe? Will it hurt the baby? Shouldn’t I be resting instead?

We get it. This question comes up all the time. There’s a lot of conflicting info out there, and between the unsolicited advice from strangers at the grocery store and the anxiety-inducing Google rabbit holes, it can feel impossible to know what’s actually right for your body.

Let’s clear the air once and for all. Spoiler alert: yes, in most cases, it is not only safe to work out while pregnant - it can actually be one of the best things you do for yourself and your baby. But like anything in motherhood, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why we’re diving into what the experts say, sharing what we’ve seen work with hundreds of mamas in our Virtual Gym, and giving you tips to move safely and confidently through pregnancy.

"I Want to Move, But I Don't Know How"

We remember chatting with a mama in her second trimester who said, "I know movement is good, but I feel like I need a permission slip just to go for a walk." Sound familiar?

So many pregnant women feel this inner conflict. On one hand, you're told to "stay active." On the other, you're terrified of doing too much, doing it wrong, or accidentally causing harm. Add in fatigue, nausea, and a schedule that’s already overflowing, and it’s no wonder movement falls to the bottom of the to-do list.

And then there’s the guilt. Guilt for resting. Guilt for working out. Guilt for not knowing what to do. Sound like a lose-lose?

Here’s the thing: movement during pregnancy shouldn’t be stressful. It should feel supportive, empowering, and like the ultimate act of self-care.

That’s why we built the ABC Fit Virtual Gym the way we did to give you access to expert-led workouts designed specifically for every trimester. No guesswork, no guilt, just smart, safe movement you can do from your living room (yep, even in your pajamas).

What the Experts Say

Here’s the good news: the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that most healthy pregnant women get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. That’s about 30 minutes, five days a week.

Why? Because movement during pregnancy has some serious benefits:

  • Reduces backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling
  • Boosts mood and energy levels
  • Helps you sleep better
  • Improves posture
  • Prepares your body for labor and delivery
  • Promotes faster postpartum recovery

Of course, not all workouts are created equal. That’s where pre- and postnatal certified trainers (like us!) come in. We design workouts that consider your changing body, balance, breath, and core because let’s be honest, burpees and crunches just aren’t it right now.

5 Tips for Safe & Empowered Pregnancy Workouts

Ready to move but not sure where to start? Here are our top tips to make fitness during pregnancy safe, doable, and dare we say…enjoyable.

1. Follow the ABCs: Alignment, Breath, Core This is the foundation of everything we teach. Proper alignment keeps your body supported as your center of gravity shifts. Breath helps regulate your nervous system and activates your core from the inside out. And speaking of core, learning how to engage your deep stabilizers (hello, transverse abdominis!) is key to a strong pregnancy and smoother recovery.

2. Skip the "Push Through" Mentality Pregnancy is not the time to train like you’re prepping for a Tough Mudder. Tune in, not out. Choose movement that energizes, not exhausts you. And remember: rest is part of the program, not a punishment.

3. Keep It Functional Focus on movements that support everyday mom life: squats for picking up the baby, rows for carrying that car seat, core work to stabilize while chasing a toddler. Our Virtual Gym workouts are rooted in functional movement that supports you now and later.

4. Modify Like a Boss Modifications aren’t a sign of weakness, they’re a sign of wisdom. Every trimester (and every day!) is different. Some days you’ll feel strong and energized, other days a walk might be your workout. Our programs offer built-in modifications so you can honor your body without missing out.

5. Find Your Fit-Fam You don’t have to do this alone. One of the most powerful motivators is community. That’s why our Virtual Gym isn’t just about workouts; it’s a space to connect, be seen, and share the highs and lows with other mamas who get it.

The Bottom Line

Here’s what we want you to know: you are not fragile. You are powerful. And yes, it is safe to work out while pregnant when you have the right guidance.

You don’t need to do this perfectly. You just need to start. Whether that’s stretching on the floor while your toddler naps or pressing play on a 20-minute workout that’s actually made for your body right now, you’re doing something incredible.

And we’re here to do it with you.

If you’re ready to move smarter, feel stronger, and connect with a community that actually sees you, join the ABC Fit Virtual Gym today. You’ll get:

Instant access to trimester-based workouts Core and breathwork classes rooted in the ABC Method Live classes and a mama-loving book club A 5-day free trial to see if it’s the right fit for you

Because mama, you were made to move. Let’s do it together.

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