Are Prenatal Fitness Apps or Programs Helpful?

If you are pregnant then you will know that pregnancy is a transformative journey giving you experiences in body changes, emotions and physical changes that you may have never dealt with before.

Staying fit, healthy and active during this time can offer numerous benefits for both you and your growing baby. In recent years there has been an explosion of pregnancy fitness APPS and online programs.

Good and Bad

The good is that they can provide at-home exercises, advice and workouts for pregnant mamas.

The bad is that many of these programs are not created by qualified prenatal; fitness instructors. And as a result, you may be causing more harm than good.

PregActive is The Global Leader

PregActive has been around since 2015 and is the most respected online prenatal fitness program. Recommended by medical professionals and backed by thousands of positive reviews from women who have participated in our online programs.

Expectant mothers are seeking safe, convenient, and guided exercise options.

Are these Apps Truly Helpful?

I want to explore their benefits, limitations, and key considerations to help you make an informed decision about incorporating these exercises, apps or workouts into your prenatal care plan.

The Rise of Prenatal Fitness Apps

The digital health market has seen a surge in pregnancy-specific fitness apps. This has been driven by the growing demand for accessible and personalized wellness solutions.

Busy women want to be able to exercise in the comfort of their own homes and APPS allow them to do so.

Options for Pregnancy Fitness APPS

Apps like PregActive, Baby2Body, Fit Pregnancy, and Pregnancy Workout offer tailored exercise routines, nutritional advice, and mindfulness practices designed for each trimester.

Expert Reviews

The program you choose should be based on reviews and recommendations from not only mamas who have used the program; but also prenatal health professionals who recommend these programs to their clients. A program without professional reviews is one to to be wary of.

What Can You Expect

These platforms often include workout videos, tracking features, and community forums, making them appealing for busy expectant mothers. The big question you must is "Are these exercises and workouts designed by qualified prenatal fitness experts?"

Guided Structured Classes

PregActive provides guided week-by-week structured classes led by certified instructors, often accessible from home. Kerryn Boyle is the lead instructor and is recognised across the world as the go-to leader in prenatal health and fitness.

Why Use an APP?

One of the greatest appealing factors for many mamas in using an online program lies in their convenience. Unlike traditional gym classes, apps and programs allow women to exercise at their own pace and schedule, which is particularly valuable during pregnancy when energy levels and mobility can fluctuate.

Does the Program follow ACOG Guidelines?

Our PregActive APP is recommended and designed with input from obstetricians, exercise scientists, fitness trainers, and midwives, ensuring exercises align with guidelines from organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Benefits of Prenatal Fitness Apps

1. Tailored Workouts for Each Week

Prenatal fitness apps are designed to adapt to the changing needs of pregnancy. How you exercise in the third trimester is different to how you exercise before pregnancy or your first trimester.

Be careful of those programs who just provide exercises and tell you that you can do them at any stage of your pregnancy.

Trimester Specific Workouts

First-trimester workouts might focus on maintaining fitness levels, while second and third-trimester exercise routines emphasize low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or modified yoga to accommodate a growing belly and shifting center of gravity.

2. Exercise Education and Safety Tips

Many apps provide educational content about safe exercise during pregnancy, such as avoiding high-impact activities or exercises that involve lying flat on the back after the first trimester.

3. Mental Health Support

Pregnancy can bring emotional challenges, including anxiety and mood swings. At PregActive, we have a large selection of interviews, articles, videos and podcasts with prenatal mental health experts to help guide you through each stage.

The best prenatal fitness apps also integrate mindfulness practices, such as guided meditation or breathing exercises, to reduce stress.

4. Community and Motivation

Apps often feature community forums where users can connect with other expectant mothers, share experiences, and find encouragement.

Our PregActive community is a vibrant supportive community. This sense of community can boost motivation, especially for women who feel isolated or lack access to in-person prenatal classes.

5. Accessibility and Affordability

One of the greatest benefits of APPS and online programs is their affordability. Paying for in-studio classes can be very expensive. This is not ideal as you will want to save your money for baby.

Another benefit is that you can workout at home. A quality APP will eliminate the need for travel. This is in particular to women who live in rural areas or those with limited access to prenatal fitness resources.

6. Limitations and Considerations

While prenatal fitness apps and programs offer significant benefits, they are not without limitations. Understanding these can help users maximize their effectiveness while staying safe.

You must take your time in choosing the right app or program for you. Check out the programs features and benefits. Are there lots of positive reviews? Is the program medically recommended? Is the instructor prenatal qualified?

7. Lack of Personalized Feedback

One drawback is that apps cannot provide real-time form corrections or individualized adjustments. Incorrect exercise form can lead to discomfort or injury, particularly as pregnancy progresses. The best programs provide guided video workouts that show you the correct technique.

Women with high-risk pregnancies or conditions like placenta previa should consult their healthcare provider before using these tools, as apps may not account for specific medical needs.

8. Quality of Product Vary

As you scroll through the APP store or online; you will see that not all apps are created equal. Some may lack input from certified professionals or fail to align with evidence-based guidelines.

You must research each app, checking for credentials of developers or instructors and reading user reviews to ensure reliability.

9. Overreliance on Technology

Apps can provide structure, but they may not replace the expertise of a healthcare provider or certified prenatal fitness instructor. Users should combine app-based workouts with regular check-ins with their doctor or midwife to ensure their exercise plan aligns with their health status.

10. Motivation Challenges

While apps offer flexibility, they require self-discipline as it will be up to you to take time out of your busy day to get online and do your workouts.

Without the accountability of in-person classes, some women may struggle to stay consistent. A quality guided APP can assist in keeping you motivated.

Choosing a Prenatal Fitness App

To maximize the benefits of prenatal fitness apps or programs, consider the following:

1. Check Credentials of the Instructors

Choose apps or programs developed with input from obstetricians, certified trainers, or prenatal fitness experts. Look for those programs that follow the recommended prenatal exercise guidelines set out by reputable organizations like ACOG or the American Council on Exercise. 

2. Start Slow when Pregnant

If you are new to exercise, begin with beginner-friendly routines and gradually increase intensity. If you exercised before you were pregnant, then you will need to modify your exercises and workouts. Apps with customizable plans can help. 

3. Combine with Professional Guidance

Use apps as a supplement to, not a replacement for, medical advice. Discuss your fitness plan with your personal healthcare provider, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

4. Explore the Features Listed

Look for apps with diverse offerings, such as nutrition tips, mindfulness exercises, and community support, to address multiple aspects of prenatal wellness. You should also check out how these features will deliver benefits to you.

5. Listen to Your Body

Pregnancy is not the time to push limits or try and set new personal bests. Stop exercising if you experience pain, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms, and consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Prenatal fitness apps and programs can be highly helpful for expectant mothers, offering convenient, safe, and tailored ways to stay active during pregnancy.

They provide access to guided workouts, educational resources, and community support, all of which can enhance physical and mental well-being.

However, their effectiveness depends on choosing high-quality medically-recommended platforms, using them in conjunction with professional medical advice, and listening to one's body.