For generations, the message around exercise during pregnancy and after birth has largely been one of caution.

• Don’t lift too much.

• Don’t do abdominal exercises.

• Don’t run or jump.

• Be careful.

• Wait until six weeks postpartum before you start exercising again.

And to be fair, there was a reason for that: we didn't have much research.

When evidence is limited, healthcare tends to err on the side of caution. But the problem is that many of those cautious recommendations have stuck around even as the research has changed.

And the research has changed.

In Episode 130 of The Pelvic Floor Project, I spoke with Dr. Margie Davenport, a professor at the University of Alberta and one of Canada's leading researchers in pregnancy and postpartum physical activity.

Her message was clear:

Exercise during pregnancy isn't simply something that is “okay” to do. It can be an important part of supporting the health of both mom and baby.