Thirty minutes of moderate exercise a day is always encouraged during pregnancy, but there are definitely some safety guidelines you should follow when keeping fit while pregnant—not to mention some activities you should skip altogether. Get the rundown on what not to do: Don’t exercise at all if you have…
Heart or lung disease
Incompetent cervix or cerclage
Placenta previa
Ruptured membranes
Preeclampsia
Multiples or another condition that puts you at risk for going into premature labor
Steer clear of…
Exercising to the point of exhaustion
Exercising while lying on your back during the second and third trimesters
Raising your body temperature too much (Drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting clothes, and avoid working out in rooms with elevated heat—i.e., skip the hot yoga)
Activities that up your risk of falling and hurting your abdomen (such as basketball, soccer, skiing, in-line skating, gymnastics, horseback riding and racquet sports)
Scuba diving—it’s not safe at any point during your pregnancy
Call your doctor if you experience…
Muscle weakness
Vaginal bleeding
Calf pain or swelling
Dizziness
Headache
Overheating
Pain in your pubic bone area
Shortness of breath
Cramps
Chest pain
Severe nausea
Leakage of amniotic fluid
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Heart or lung disease
Incompetent cervix or cerclage
Placenta previa
Ruptured membranes
Preeclampsia
Multiples or another condition that puts you at risk for going into premature labor
Exercising to the point of exhaustion
Exercising while lying on your back during the second and third trimesters
Raising your body temperature too much (Drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting clothes, and avoid working out in rooms with elevated heat—i.e., skip the hot yoga)
Activities that up your risk of falling and hurting your abdomen (such as basketball, soccer, skiing, in-line skating, gymnastics, horseback riding and racquet sports)
Scuba diving—it’s not safe at any point during your pregnancy
Muscle weakness
Vaginal bleeding
Calf pain or swelling
Dizziness
Headache
Overheating
Pain in your pubic bone area
Shortness of breath
Cramps
Chest pain
Severe nausea
Leakage of amniotic fluid
