Exercise and Prayer in Pregnancy: Why Movement and Meditation Belong Together

Modern research and ancient wisdom agree on this: a woman who moves her body and quiets her mind during pregnancy is preparing for birth in the most complete way possible. What science has recently proven, the Church has understood for centuries.

What the Research Says About Exercise in Pregnancy

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy. The evidence behind this guidance is substantial.

Reduced Risk of Complications

A 2017 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examining 2,059 pregnant women found that structured exercise reduced the risk of gestational diabetes by 38% and preeclampsia by 41% (Davenport et al., 2018). A separate systematic review of 13,000 women confirmed that regular exercise significantly lowered the odds of cesarean delivery and excessive weight gain (Sanabria-Martinez et al., 2015).