Adopting a supervised, low-to-moderate intensity weight-lifting exercise program can be safe and healthy for women with low-risk pregnancy according to the 2011 March issue of the Journal of Physical Activity and Health.
The study measured the progression in the amount of weight used, changes in resting blood pressure and potential adverse side effects in 32 pregnant women over a 12-week period.
The group increased the amount of weight lifted in all of the exercise sessions while not experiencing any musculoskeletal injury.
However, 13 incidents of potentially problematic symptoms were reported, all of which involved headache, pelvic pain and dizziness. Fortunately, the rate of dizziness did decrease after the first few workouts, as the women learned to lift weights while maintain proper breathing techniques while exercising.