Resistance Training in Pregnancy - A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Pregnancy is a transformative period characterized by significant physiological and psychological changes. Engaging in consistent exercise during pregnancy offers numerous health advantages for both the expectant mother and the child, as recommended by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Resistance training, a form of strength training, is increasingly recognized for its benefits during pregnancy due to its ability to improve muscle strength with potentially lower cardiovascular stress compared to aerobic exercise. This comprehensive narrative review evaluates the safety and efficacy of resistance training during pregnancy, its effects on diastasis recti, blood pressure, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), incontinence, low back pain, fetal responses, and postpartum depression.