Pregnancy/Maternity

Heart rate during pregnancy

Many pregnant women wonder about the appropriate heart rate to respect during training sessions. The following information can be useful in helping you during your exercise!

If you are used to measuring your physical effort during exercise by monitoring your heartbeat, you will probably notice certain changes during your pregnancy. Heart rate can be influenced by many factors, such as dehydration, fatigue levels, outside temperature, the time of day, ingestion of stimulants (e.g.: caffeine), and an increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy.

Targeted heart rate during pregnancy

The chart below illustrates the percentage of desired intensity for a physical activity according to maximum heart rate. Maximum heart rate (MHR) is the number of beats per minute that you can achieve during a very high-intensity exercise, for example during an intense effort of one to two minutes. A heart rate measurement test is very demanding and should never be done during pregnancy. You can estimate your heart rate by using the following formula*: MHR = 208 - (0,7 x age).

The following chart presents data for women who have no major health problems. The efficiency of the cardiovascular system varies from one person to another; therefore, actual heart rate may vary for the same intensity level.

Elise Hofer

Mother of two, Elise Hofer is an accomplished sportswoman in alpine skiing, cycling and running. She holds a Bachelor of Management Degree and promotes an active lifestyle by getting involved with top athletes in the organization of corporate hiking and in various foundations.

Mélanie Olivier

Sports dietician-nutritionist, Melanie Olivier is a former elite skier. Her work with many athletes led her to accompany the Canadian delegation at the Olympic games in 2006, 2008 an 2010. In addition to leading her own nutrition team of experts, Melanie is an experienced lecturer and trainer as well as an appreciated media collaborator.


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