Finding out you’re pregnant can be a big cause for celebration. But for anyone who works out frequently—whether you’re into lifting weights, yoga, running, or simply brisk walks on the trail—it may also bring on some worries about how your fitness routine might change.  Fortunately, exercise doesn’t have to stop during pregnancy. In fact, most experts recommend it. Even better? There are a bunch of amazing pregnancy workout apps for iPhone and Android users with classes you can take anytime, anywhere.

I’m one of those people who fret about prenatal fitness almost as much as baby names. Determined to stay active throughout my pregnancy—I’m due with my first in December—I decided to put some of the most popular apps to the test. After a few hours of sweating, flowing, and donkey kicking, I landed on Baby2Body as the best option. But it’s not the only app worth trying.

Here’s how the best pregnancy workout apps stacked up:

1. Baby2Body (Top Pick)
2. Prenatal Yoga (Best for Yoga)
3. Bloom Method
4. Tone It Up
5. Prenatal and Postnatal Workout

The Best Pregnancy Workout Apps

Baby2Body was easily my favorite of all the apps, with plentiful workout options and a colorful, easy-to-navigate interface. It looks similar to the Health app on Apple Watch, with rings that you can work to close every day or week. These rings represent goals that you get to choose, like movement, nourishment, or healthy habits based on your preferences.

The workouts themselves are enjoyable but still difficult enough to break a sweat. You can choose your intensity, whether you’re doing a cardio workout, strength training, yoga, or some other modality. The instructors—all of whom are experts with credentials in their specific field—are upbeat and knowledgeable. I stayed motivated throughout the workouts, which range from 20 to 60 minutes. I also felt like I knew exactly what was going on the whole time.

Instructors also offer plenty of modifications based on where you are in your pregnancy (you enter your due date when you sign up for the app). This was especially helpful in my third trimester. One cardio workout was too challenging for me, but thanks to the alternative movements provided—which included lower-impact options like stepping instead of jumping—I was able to complete it. Baby2Body also has some nice extra features, such as a water intake tracker and daily baby development updates. I especially liked the timed breathing tutorials, which are equal parts relaxing and helpful for preparing for labor (I assume!). 

The only downside to this app is that, at $17.99 per month, it’s a bit pricier than others. You can access a free version of the app—this includes limited workouts and some reading material—but most of the features you’ll want to use are part of the paid service. It also has postnatal classes, so you may endup using it for longer than 9 months. But hey, it’s still less than most gym memberships.

As a yoga teacher—and as someone who is very particular about the classes I take—I was surprised that the generically-named Prenatal Yoga App was one of my top picks. However, it more than exceeded my expectations. For starters, each user’s practice is completely personalized. When you first download the app, you take a quiz that asks you about your preferences and current fitness level. The result? Flows tailored directly to your likes and needs.

This app also correlates sessions with the different trimesters, which I loved. What I wanted in the second trimester (something fast-paced and sweaty) is a lot different than what I wanted in the third trimester (something slow and restorative). It offers a bunch of different yoga styles, from vinyasa to yin, that range from about 5 minutes to 90 minutes. I tried a variety and each one nailed it. The more advanced classes challenged me safely while the slower classes helped me stretch out my muscles and relieve some pregnancy aches. In each class (all are conducted as filmed videos), instructors demonstrated each pose with a calming demeanor. I never felt lost or unsure of what I was doing. One modification I loved was adding a yoga block under your back during bridge pose for more support. 

Another perk is that you can download the yoga classes so you can view even when you’re offline. In the settings menu, you can adjust things like the pace of your class, the background music, and the length of your preferred classes. Then, you’re only shown the type you like. You can also choose just how much instruction you hear. If you don’t like being interrupted while you flow, you can minimize how much the teacher talks to you.

Of course, if yoga isn’t your thing or you want more variety in your exercise routine, this might not be the app for you. As the name suggests, it’s all yoga. You’ll have to look elsewhere for a heart-pumping kickboxing class if that’s what you’re craving.

Should You Work Out When You’re Pregnant?

Before starting any pregnancy workout program, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider. Not everyone should exercise during pregnancy—some potential risk factors Mayo Clinic “Pregnancy and exercise: Baby, let's move!” View Source include preeclampsia or high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy, vaginal bleeding, preterm labor (or a risk for it), and anemia. But many experts recommend working out or at least staying active, as long as it feels good for your body.

There are plenty of benefits American Pregnancy Association “Exercise During Pregnancy” View Source to exercising while pregnant. Not only can it help you maintain (or build) muscle tone and fitness, it can help you sleep better, improve your mood, and may help make your labor and recovery a lot easier. Working out also improves circulation, which can help with a whole host of issues that tend to pop up as your bump grows—leg cramps, ankle swelling, constipation, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. It may help out your little one, too. Moderate-to-high-intensity exercise Sports Health “Exercise in Pregnancy” View Source may result in better fetal health, according to one study.

How To Start Working Out When You’re Pregnant

Pregnant people should aim for at least 150 minutes American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Exercise During Pregnancy” View Source of “moderate-intensity aerobic activity” each week. That said, if you’re brand-new to exercise, don’t use your pregnancy as a catalyst to jump right into a vigorous HIIT class. You can definitely start working out for the first time during pregnancy (anyone who tells you otherwise is simply regurgitating an old myth Johns Hopkins Medicine “3 Myths About Exercise and Pregnancy” View Source !) but anything that feels overly strenuous may restrict oxygen to your uterus American Pregnancy Association “Effects of Exercise During Pregnancy” View Source . Instead, start with a few minutes of a gentle, low-impact activity, like walking, using an elliptical, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Even gardening can count! 

Beyond that, most experts recommend against activities that carry a high risk of slipping, falling, and getting injured—like horseback riding, biking, downhill skiing, rock climbing, or contact sports—and heated classes, which may cause dehydration.

Some other seemingly innocuous and low-impact exercises can cause issues during pregnancy, too. You should avoid exercises that require you to lie on your back, especially after the first trimester—this can cause your bump to push against the blood vessel that leads to your heart, causing you to feel faint. You may also want to avoid traditional sit-ups and crunches after the first trimester, as this exercise may cause diastasis recti Cleveland Clinic “Diastasis Recit” View Source , or a separation in the middle of the abdominal wall. 

Are Pregnancy Workout Apps Worth It?

Exercising while pregnant is a whole new ball game. Often, you have to make modifications or adjustments to your movements and routine based on your body, your fitness level, the trimester you’re in, and your specific pregnancy or medical conditions. Even exercises that are generally considered safe and effective during pregnancy—such as a classic plank—may start to feel a little unwieldy past the 20-week mark. 

It’s a lot to keep track of! In this sense, a pregnancy workout app can serve as a guide (one that comes second to your healthcare provider, of course) to help you start or continue a workout routine in a safe, healthy, injury-free way.

How We Found The Best Pregnancy Workout Apps

Meet Your Guinea Pig

I’m Amanda, a self-proclaimed workout fanatic. Along with 10 years of experience in service journalism and commerce editorial—specifically in the lifestyle and health spaces—I have double that many years of experience in fitness. Not only am I an RYT-200 yoga teacher and NASM CPT personal trainer, I also spend a lot of time in the gym, from lifting weights to hitting up my favorite Pilates class. In the context of this article, I’m also currently pregnant with my first baby, due in December 2022. 

Our Testing Process

I began by narrowing down the five most popular pregnancy workout apps based on reviews and ratings. Then, I completed at least three different workouts from each app, varying the instructor, level, and workout type (if possible). I spent hours browsing the apps’ offerings, from nutrition planning to meditation, and tried out as many of the extra features as I could. I also used my experience as a personal trainer and yoga teacher to think about how the classes catered to people of different fitness levels and abilities. Apps got points for providing helpful modifications and clear explanations and docked for confusing transitions or directions.

The Pregnancy Workout App Buying Guide

Not all pregnancy workout apps are equal. Some are focused on yoga, while others have more short HIIT-style workouts. Some are barebones with just workout classes, while others have extras like nutrition advice or meditation tutorials. 

While many pregnancy workout apps offer free trials for you to test them out, they often require a paid subscription after a week or so. This means you’ll want to choose one that’s worth the cost, so you aren’t wasting your money.

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping around for an app:

• User experience: Are the workouts fun, challenging, and, even better, personalized to you? How is the app interface?
• Ease of use: Is the app easy to navigate and use? Do the workouts require special equipment?
• Variety of content: Can you find differentworkouts (boxing, weight lifting, Pilates, etc.) and different levels of intensity (beginner, intermediate, advanced)? Are there options for each trimester?
• Additional features: Does the app have any valuable extras like nutrition tips, meal plans or recipes, meditation, or expert articles?

One final note: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new fitness program, especially while pregnant. They can help you choose a safe routine based on your medical history and current conditions.

Other Pregnancy Workout Apps Worth Considering

Along with a whole spectrum of classes from cycling to yoga, one of the big perks of Studio Bloom is that it offers bodyweight-only workouts that require zero equipment. This is perfect for anyone working out at home or on the go. All classes are led by real people, and made me sweat and feel like I got a good workout. They were all also easy to follow on my phone. 

I like that the app puts a focus on injury prevention and holistic health, with exercises and tips to prevent common issues like diastasis recti or back pain. There’s also a lot of content on proper breathing, mobility, and pelvic floor strengthening (all important for new moms!).

At $29 a month, this is the most expensive app we tested. If the idea of a plethora of bodyweight-only workouts appeals to you, it might be worth it—otherwise, we suggest a more budget-friendly option.

I’ve known about Tone It Up for years, and have done a few of its workouts here and there. I wasn’t aware the app even offered prenatal workouts until, well, I got pregnant. When I tried them out, I was pleasantly surprised. They were challenging enough to feel like I was getting a good workout, yet short enough that I didn’t die. (All classes are between 20 and 40 minutes). Plus, I love the community surrounding the brand and the energy and enthusiasm instructors. It also offers plenty of weekly and monthly challenges specifically for members using the prenatal classes if you like a little more accountability.

One of the best things about Tone It Up is that it’s not just for pregnancy. Though its pregnancy options are more robust than other straight-up workout apps, it offers a ton of different classes for all levels, from beginner barre to intermediate boxing. That means you can use it well after the baby is born. I love an app that has numerous functions, and being able to stick with one you’re comfortable with could help maintain a routine. Because it’s more than a pregnancy app, however, it doesn’t offer as many prenatal workouts as you would find on a pregnancy-specific app.

Prenatal & Postnatal Workout is a solid choice if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. All its workouts, which include yoga to strength circuits, are a quick and effective 20 minutes. I loved that I could squeeze workouts into a quick break between meetings. There are also workouts for every stage of pregnancy, including when you’re trying to conceive. All workouts are demonstrated with animations coupled with narrated commands, so you don’t have to have your eyes glued to the screen the whole time. (That said, the animations aren’t quite as engaging as watching a real human.) 

As someone who enjoys 45- to 60-minute workouts, however, I don’t like that 20-minute workouts are the only option. You could piece together multiple workouts, but it’s not the same as one longer class. Additionally, if you like to track your activity on your Apple Watch, this app doesn’t connect. This was a negative for me.

Our research and review process is intended for informational purposes only—never as a substitute for medical treatment, diagnosis, or advice. Recommendations or information found on this site do not infer a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have questions about how a product, service, or intervention may impact your individual physical or mental health. Our evaluations of products, services, and interventions have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. Information and research about health changes frequently. Therefore, some details or advice on this site may not be up-to-date with current recommendations. The Nessie is an independent publication and is not in any way affiliated with the production or creation of products, providers, services, or interventions featured in reviews or articles on the site.

Sourcing

• Pregnant women should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. “Exercise During Pregnancy” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (March 2022)
• Benefits of exercising while pregnant. “Exercise During Pregnancy” The American Pregnancy Association
• Some exercise during pregnancy can improve fetal health. “Exercise in Pregnancy” Sports Health (November 2015)
• Talk to your doctor before starting a new fitness program. “Exercise During Pregnancy” The Cleveland Clinic (January 2018)