Check out this excerpt from a meta-analysis that looked at over 3K pregnant women! "This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidate existing evidence, demonstrating that physical exercise is associated with an increased likelihood of normal vaginal delivery, a reduced rate of cesarean delivery, and a shorter first stage of labor." https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0326868&utm

Check out this study that showed the effects of strength training for women postpartum and how it not only effected their physical but MENTAL HEALTH!! This looked at a total of 35 randomized controlled studies and concluded that resistance training postpartum reduced anxiety and depression by 45%. Thats huge!! https://www.ovid.com/journals/bjsme/fulltext/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108478~impact-of-postpartum-physical-activity-on-maternal

Check out this excerpt from meta analysis published June 2024, "Resistance training can also increase the likelihood of a vaginal delivery, which is beneficial for both mother and baby. Concerning fetal health, resistance training increases uterine blood flow, decreases the risk of neonatal macrosomia, and improves cognitive function and metabolic health in childhood." Research article https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11193983/

The topic of strength training during pregnancy is often overlooked. However, research has shown that strength training 2-3x per week while you are pregnant has insane effects on you overall health, quality of life, and quality of the birthing process. Check out this research article that goes a bit more in depth and talks about both the physical and psychological benefits of strength training during your pregnancy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12144601/?