Pregnancy Contraindications

& Exercise

While The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) recommends that healthy pregnant women engage in 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week, the ACOG also warns that there are situations in which it is unsafe for the mother to participate in aerobic exercise.

You should avoid exercise if you have…

• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Pre-term ruptured membranes
• Premature labor
• Persistent bleeding after 12 wks
• A cervix that dilates ahead of schedule
• Poor fetal growth
• Multiple–birth pregnancy
• Placental disease
• History of 3 or more miscarriages
• History of premature labor
• Intrauterine growth retardation

Relative Contraindications

ACOG takes it a step further with relative contraindications. As a result, aerobic exercise may not be safe and should be evaluated if you have:

• Early pregnancy bleeding
• Extreme overweight
• Extreme underweight
• Extremely sedentary lifestyle
• Breech presentation after 28 weeks
• Palpitations or arrhythmia
• Anemia
• History of poor fetal growth
• History of rapid labors
• Poorly controlled toxemia or pre-eclampsia (in current pregnancy)

Warning Signs during Exercise

There are a few warning signs you should be aware of when you are getting fit to deliver.

Stop Exercising and contact health provider if you have…

• Vaginal bleeding
• Difficulty or labored breathing (dyspnea) prior to exertion
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Calf pain or swelling (must rule out thrombophlebitis)
• Uterine Contractions
• Unusual pain
• Amniotic fluid leakage

Remember, if it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it.

**You should always consult with your doctor to ensure he or she approves your participation in an exercise program and to adjust your program to you specific needs and restraints.**


More Interesting Pages!

Fit-2-Deliver...Exercise during pregnancy!
Caffeine and Pregnancy
Eating-for-2...Eating healthy during Pregnancy
Exercise After Pregnancy
Third Trimester Exercise

Return from Pregnancy Contraindications to Real Moms Real Fit Home Page