The Study
Resistance training in pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy, delivery, fetal and pelvic floor outcomes and call to action
This study looked at lots of other studies where pregnant people did exercise, and found that those who did resistance training (like lifting weights) tended to have fewer health problems. But since most of them also did other kinds of exercise, we can't be sure if the weights alone were responsible — it might have been the whole routine.
Analysis score
Maximum 85 for a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Where the score came from
This study looked at whether lifting weights or doing strength exercises while pregnant helps moms and babies stay healthier.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 546 / 100
Quality score
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies. They sit above a single cohort study but below a single randomized trial, because the underlying evidence is still observational.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1These reductions are meaningful — they suggest resistance training could help prevent serious pregnancy complications for many women.
- 2Moms who did resistance training had 58% lower chance of high blood pressure, 38% lower chance of gestational diabetes, 52% lower chance of mood disorders, and 33% lower chance of having a very large baby.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Year
2025
Authors
Christina Prevett, Jessica Gingerich, Allison Sivak, Margie H. Davenport
Related Content
Claims (9)
Working out with weights while pregnant doesn't harm the mom or the baby — it's safe.
Doing strength exercises during pregnancy might lower the chances of getting high blood pressure or diabetes while pregnant, which could help moms stay healthier.
Women who do strength training as part of their pregnancy exercise routine may be less likely to experience mood disorders like anxiety or depression after giving birth.
When pregnant women do resistance training as part of their exercise routine, their babies are less likely to be born very large, which can help avoid birth problems.
Doing strength exercises during pregnancy as part of a broader workout plan doesn't seem to lower the chances of needing a C-section, forceps, or tearing during birth—so the benefits are probably more about how your body uses energy than about making delivery easier physically.
When pregnant women do strength training, it's usually part of a mix of exercises, but most studies don't clearly say how hard, how often, or how much weight to use — so we can't figure out the best way to make moms healthier.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.