best buys
The best books for pregnancy and postnatal fitness
This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
Exercising during pregnancy and getting back in shape after birth have always been hot topics.
Some people carry on as usual with their fitness regime, whilst others try to find new ways to keep in shape.
Pregnancy yoga, swimming and pilates are all recommended during pregnancy.
If you want to find out what works for your body and how to achieve a healthy physical and mental state when expecting or after delivering, then a good book is all you need.
So, we’ve rounded up our favourites that address pregnancy and postpartum fitness in a practical and helpful way.
Good luck!
1. Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
* Depicts step-by-step yoga postures specially adapted for each trimester
* Offers relaxation techniques, tips and simple breathing exercises
* Has 160 pages and is easy-to-read
This book won't only enhance your experience of pregnancy and birth though yoga and meditation, it will also show you how to adjust to the physical demands of labour.
It includes step-by-step yoga postures specially adapted for each trimester, relaxation techniques and simple breathing exercises. A must-read for expectant mums!
2. Pregnancy Fitness
* Written by three experts on prenatal and postpartum fitness
* Focuses specifically on pelvic floor exercises and core restoration
* Covers all physical and physiological aspects of pregnancy, birth, and recovery
This practical guide answers your questions and delivers important information concerning hormones, pregnancy aches and posture changes while showcasing the ideal fitness plan for mums-to-be.
It includes a a full spectrum of stretching and strengthening exercises (as well as safety tips) that prepare for birth and recovery. It also has handy sample workout programs for pregnancy and postpartum.
3. Yoga for Pregnancy and Birth: Teach Yourself
* Helps create a breathing program that works uniquely for mum and baby
* Includes a full range of adapted yoga postures that support the changes in your body
* Will boost your confidence when approaching labour
This book will really help you maximise your health and wellbeing throughout pregnancy and beyond through yoga practice. It includes a full range of modified yoga postures that will provide comfort, build stability and embrace your body changes.
The book also has breathing exercises that intend to boost vitality and put you in a calmer state, plus an audio breathing exercise to download.
4. Fit and Healthy Pregnancy
* Offers fitness tips that cover each trimester as well as the months following delivery
* Guidelines and suggested workouts for running, swimming, and cycling
* Written by running coach Dr. Kristina Pinto and MD triathlete Rachel Kramer
This book will bust myths that deter you from exercising during pregnancy and offer a thorough guidance on exercise, rest, body temperature and injury prevention.
It's a must-have for expectant and new mums who are determined to transition back into workouts and training when pregnant and after their baby's born. A totally recommended, highly reassuring read.
5. Pilates for Pregnancy
* Aims to improve your health, mood and energy during pregnancy
* Portrays step-by-step pilates exercises, tailored for the demands of each trimester
* Includes tips on reconnecting with your core after birth - even if you've had a caesarean
This is a straight-talking, woman-to-woman exercise guide that will encourage expectant and new mums to improve their strength, birth experience and postnatal recovery through pilates.
It will help prepare you physically and mentally for your new arrival and even optimise the position of your baby for a better birth experience!
6. Bump It Up
* Offers invaluable guidance on how to exercise safely and eat healthily during each trimester
* Boosts your chances of conception
* Help you to be fit and relaxed through your pregnancy as well as after delivery
This is the ultimate fitness guide that covers tips for before, during and after pregnancy. Written by professor Greg Whyte, who is well known for his innovative fitness programmes, it's a trustworthy, motivating read. It will dispel misconceptions and pregnancy myths, guide you through each trimester and motivate you to stay active through the demands of early motherhood.
7. Healthy and Quick and Everything Fit
* Points out the challenges of postnatal exercise and offers tips and solutions
* Turns medical journals into an all-inclusive guide for new mums
* Is easy-to-follow with a step-by-step exercise progression
This comprehensive guide explains how getting your body back is not all about a flat belly, but also involves bringing back the way you move and the way you cope on the daily. It will also explain why you need and will benefit from postnatal exercising while recognising its complications; like sleep deprivation, fatigue, breastfeeding etc.
If you need a progressive, and challenging boost from the inside out after giving birth, then this is the book for you!
8. The Complete Guide to Postnatal Fitness
* The third edition has been fully updated, with new guidance and up to date references
* Provides safe, specific and effective postnatal exercise
* Has 246 pages and is full of useful references
If your goal is to get fitter after pregnancy, this thorough guide will address the exact challenges you face, in terms of anatomy and physiology.
It will make you understand what your body undergoes during and after pregnancy and how it needs to be nurtured back to your desired state, without putting too much pressure on it.
Read on:
- The best jogging buggies 2019
- 8 ways to get fit without leaving the house
- The best gym and fitness gear from just £5
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase from Amazon. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
