Designing safe and effective exercise programs for teenage pregnant mothers: Lessons from evidence-based interventions

Abstract

Teen pregnancy is a significant global public health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Uganda, where it is associated with increased maternal and neonatal risks. There is evidence that appropriately designed exercise programs can improve physical, psychological and obstetric outcomes in pregnant adolescents. The objective of this review was to summarise current evidence of safe and effective exercise interventions for teenage pregnant mothers. A literature search was performed in databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, including studies from 2000 to 2025, on exercise safety, program design and outcomes in adolescent pregnancies. The results showed that moderate-intensity aerobic and strengthening activities such as walking, swimming, dancing, yoga and pelvic floor exercises are generally safe when supervised by qualified personnel. The best programme should be individualised, progressive progression, while, monitoring mothers of their vital signs, warnings of overexertion. Regular participation was associated with improved cardiovascular fitness, fewer gestational complications, improved mood and self-esteem. The study highlights the need for age sensitive, culturally appropriate exercise guidelines and multidisciplinary support from health care providers, physiotherapists and health educators’ future studies should focus on context-specific interventions and long-term outcomes to inform clinical practice and maternal health programmes targeting teenage mothers.