Reduce Risk of Gestational Diabetes, Hypertension; National Health Administration Promotes 3 Principles for Prenatal Exercise
Taiwan's National Health Administration (NHA) advocates three principles for prenatal exercise — 'establish habits, gradual progression, continuous regularity' — to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension, and facilitate delivery. Regular exercise also improves sleep quality, relieves back pain, and lowers postpartum depression risk, underscoring its numerous benefits for maternal health.
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 12:19
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Central News Agency (Reporter Chen Chieh-ling, Taipei, 13th) — Regular exercise during pregnancy can alleviate discomfort, reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and hypertension, and aid in childbirth. The National Health Administration (NHA) urges pregnant women without exercise habits to grasp three principles: "establish habits, gradual progression, and continuous regularity," to gradually increase physical activity.
Wei Hsi-lun, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Administration, attended a press conference promoting prenatal exercise this morning. She noted in her speech that many people say pregnant women should rest well and avoid strenuous activities, but "resting" does not mean complete inactivity. Moderate exercise benefits both the pregnant woman and the fetus, not only reducing the risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension but also helping to improve sleep quality.
Dr. Huang Chien-pei, Secretary-General of the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, further explained that the benefits of regular exercise during pregnancy have been confirmed by many studies. Proper exercise does not cause miscarriage or premature birth. For most healthy pregnant women without complications, prenatal exercise is safe and beneficial, not only reducing labor pain but also contributing to a smooth delivery. He cited, "The smoothest delivery I've encountered was with a pregnant woman who was a national swimmer."
Dr. Huang said that in the past, everyone focused more on prenatal check-ups, but maternal and infant health also needs to be maintained by strengthening the mother's physical capabilities. Moderate exercise during pregnancy not only reduces the risk of thrombosis, gestational diabetes, and hypertension but also helps alleviate lower back pain in late pregnancy, as exercise habits formed in early pregnancy can enhance muscle endurance. Furthermore, exercise can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression and even aid in preventing stretch marks.
Dr. Huang stated that prenatal exercise does not need to be very strenuous; not sweating does not mean it's not exercise. Even walking is beneficial for maternal and infant health. Even in the third trimester, as the belly gradually grows, existing exercise habits do not necessarily need to be completely stopped. However, for those with high-risk pregnancies, it is crucial to consult a professional doctor before planning any exercise.
Pregnant women can follow the three principles of "establishing habits, gradual progression, and continuous regularity." They should adjust according to their personal exercise experience and stage of pregnancy. Physical therapist Hsieh Ni-yun reminded them to choose a well-ventilated and cool environment and avoid exercising in hot and stuffy places exceeding 32 degrees Celsius. In early pregnancy, those without exercise habits can start by increasing daily activity, such as taking stairs instead of elevators or walking short distances instead of driving.
Discomfort symptoms tend to ease in the second trimester. If an exercise habit has been established, a progressive approach can be adopted, such as gradually increasing exercise to 30 minutes daily or gradually increasing exercise intensity, but always pay attention to physical condition and do what is manageable. In late pregnancy, continued moderate exercise is still recommended, along with regular consultations with a doctor. If vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, regular contractions, or rupture of membranes occur, exercise should be stopped immediately, and medical attention sought.
Wei Hsi-lun said that in addition to health benefits like "one person moving, two people benefiting," when pregnant women exercise, expectant fathers usually assist and protect, helping to ensure the safety and ventilation of the exercise environment, and timely reminding them to replenish calories and water, which also enhances interaction between couples. Regular prenatal exercise recommendations have already been incorporated into 'Mommy Handbooks' and will also be added to 'Daddy Handbooks' in the future. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150513
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Wei Hsi-lun, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Administration, attended a press conference promoting prenatal exercise this morning. She noted in her speech that many people say pregnant women should rest well and avoid strenuous activities, but "resting" does not mean complete inactivity. Moderate exercise benefits both the pregnant woman and the fetus, not only reducing the risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension but also helping to improve sleep quality.
Dr. Huang Chien-pei, Secretary-General of the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, further explained that the benefits of regular exercise during pregnancy have been confirmed by many studies. Proper exercise does not cause miscarriage or premature birth. For most healthy pregnant women without complications, prenatal exercise is safe and beneficial, not only reducing labor pain but also contributing to a smooth delivery. He cited, "The smoothest delivery I've encountered was with a pregnant woman who was a national swimmer."
Dr. Huang said that in the past, everyone focused more on prenatal check-ups, but maternal and infant health also needs to be maintained by strengthening the mother's physical capabilities. Moderate exercise during pregnancy not only reduces the risk of thrombosis, gestational diabetes, and hypertension but also helps alleviate lower back pain in late pregnancy, as exercise habits formed in early pregnancy can enhance muscle endurance. Furthermore, exercise can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression and even aid in preventing stretch marks.
Dr. Huang stated that prenatal exercise does not need to be very strenuous; not sweating does not mean it's not exercise. Even walking is beneficial for maternal and infant health. Even in the third trimester, as the belly gradually grows, existing exercise habits do not necessarily need to be completely stopped. However, for those with high-risk pregnancies, it is crucial to consult a professional doctor before planning any exercise.
Pregnant women can follow the three principles of "establishing habits, gradual progression, and continuous regularity." They should adjust according to their personal exercise experience and stage of pregnancy. Physical therapist Hsieh Ni-yun reminded them to choose a well-ventilated and cool environment and avoid exercising in hot and stuffy places exceeding 32 degrees Celsius. In early pregnancy, those without exercise habits can start by increasing daily activity, such as taking stairs instead of elevators or walking short distances instead of driving.
Discomfort symptoms tend to ease in the second trimester. If an exercise habit has been established, a progressive approach can be adopted, such as gradually increasing exercise to 30 minutes daily or gradually increasing exercise intensity, but always pay attention to physical condition and do what is manageable. In late pregnancy, continued moderate exercise is still recommended, along with regular consultations with a doctor. If vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, regular contractions, or rupture of membranes occur, exercise should be stopped immediately, and medical attention sought.
Wei Hsi-lun said that in addition to health benefits like "one person moving, two people benefiting," when pregnant women exercise, expectant fathers usually assist and protect, helping to ensure the safety and ventilation of the exercise environment, and timely reminding them to replenish calories and water, which also enhances interaction between couples. Regular prenatal exercise recommendations have already been incorporated into 'Mommy Handbooks' and will also be added to 'Daddy Handbooks' in the future. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150513
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Keywords: