Country

Recommended Frequency

Specific Resistance Training Recommendations

Contraindications and Warnings

Australia (2020) [19]

≥ 2 days/week

Exercises targeting large muscle groups; moderate intensity; avoid the Valsalva maneuver

Vaginal bleeding, preeclampsia, cervical insufficiency, fetal growth restriction

Canada-CSEP (2019) [10]

≥ 3 days/week combined with aerobic exercise

Resistance training plus core and pelvic floor exercises; 1-3 sets per exercise

Risk of preterm birth, placenta previa ≥ 28 weeks, preeclampsia

Denmark (2022) [20]

≥ 2 days/week

Progressive training until mild fatigue; avoid supine exercises after the first trimester

Regular contractions, chest pain, leakage of amniotic fluid

Spain (2020) [21]

2-3 days/week

8-10 exercises, 12-15 repetitions, moderate intensity

Bleeding, dizziness, severe abdominal pain

France (HAS, 2024) [22]

3 days/week combining exercise modalities

Maintain ability to converse during effort (“talk test”); focus on postural control

Uncontrolled hypertension, vaginal symptoms

United Kingdom (UK Chief Medical Officers, 2019) [23]

≥ 2 days/week

Strength, stability, and pelvic floor exercises; avoid intense isometric exercise

Signs of preterm labor, severe headache

Japan (JSOG, 2017) [24]

1-2 days/week

Light exercises; cautious progression; avoid increased intra-abdominal pressure

Severe anemia, placenta previa, threatened miscarriage

Norway (Helsedirektoratet, 2019) [25]

≥ 2 days/week

Emphasis on functional strength; avoid supine exercises after 20 weeks

Bleeding, severe dyspnea

United States-ACOG (2020) [1]

2-3 days/week

1-2 sets for large muscle groups; avoid the Valsalva maneuver; moderate intensity

Heart disease, severe anemia, uncontrolled diabetes