Exercise during Pregnancy
Most forms of exercise are safe to do during pregnancy so long as you take caution and do not overdo it. The safest forms of exercise are low impact and include the following:
Brisk walking
Swimming
Cycling
Low-impact aerobics
Other activities like jogging may be done in moderation. Activities like tennis and racquetball are generally safe, but changes in your balance during pregnancy may affect rapid movements. You may want to choose exercises or activities that do not require great balance or coordination, especially later in pregnancy.
Exercise may be harmful to women with the following obstetrical conditions:
Bleeding or spotting
Low-placenta
Threatened or recurrent miscarriage
Previous premature births or history of early labor
Weak cervix
For women with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, exercise may not be advisable. In all cases, we advise you to talk with an OGA practitioner before beginning any exercise program. He or she will help identify the type of exercise that is right for you based upon your medical history.
There are certain exercises and activities that can be harmful if done while pregnant. Please avoid the following:
Holding your breath during any activity
Activities with a high risk of falling (skiing, horseback riding, etc.)
Contact sports (softball, football, volleyball, etc.)
Activities that require extensive jumping, hopping, skipping, bouncing or running.
Bouncing while stretching
Deep knee bends, full sit-ups, double-leg raises, and straight-leg toe touches
Any exercise that may cause even mild abdominal trauma
Activities that include jarring motions or rapid changes in direction
Exercise that requires lying on your back or right side for more than 3 minutes (especially after your 3rd month of pregnancy)
Waist twisting movements while standing
Heavy spurts of exercise followed by long periods of no activity
Exercising in hot or humid weather