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Q&A: What kind of exercises aren't safe for pregnancy?

What kind of exercises aren't safe for pregnancy?

Re: What kind of exercises aren't safe for pregnancy?

The Bump Expert

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 during pregnancy -- 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, in-line skating, gymnastics, horseback riding, or 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

Tracey Mallett | January 26 , 2010 4:59 PM

Q&A: What kind of exercises aren't safe for pregnancy?

What does muscle weakness mean?

NatDave | January 28 , 2010 4:20 PM

Q&A: What kind of exercises aren't safe for pregnancy?

What they mean by muscle weakness is the point of were lifting even the lightest objects makes your muscle very sore or even painful. If your shaking while you walk or lifting your purse, your over-doing it. To make it easy, avoid heavy lifting squats ect. I would suggest using no more then ten pound weights, stick to maybe 3 weight lifting workouts per session and increase your rest cycles and water intake . Sore and not being able to walk are two very different things. Hope that helped.

Jacqui13 | March 30 , 2011 1:40 PM

Q&A: What kind of exercises aren't safe for pregnancy?

I'm a midwife, and it's very important to know that you should not be doing abdomen workouts during pregnancy, at least after your first trimester. As your belly grows it puts a lot of strain on your ab muscles, and doing exercises like crunches or pushups that put a lot of strain on those muscles can cause them to separate, or even damage the baby or uterine muscles. So just be careful!! Also, you should not do exercises where you are lifting one leg at a time, like leg lifts, (even when you're sitting) as this can also put strain on your abs. Happy exercising!!

ladykatie86 | July 26 , 2011 8:25 AM

Q&A: What kind of exercises aren't safe for pregnancy?

What can you tell me about Retin A cream? Is that safe to use during pregnancy? My wife just bought it and I'm trying to get some information on this subject. Hope someone here can help me.

Bulbazar | January 22 , 2012 6:47 AM

Q&A: What kind of exercises aren't safe for pregnancy?

I'd skip it... there's not a ton of evidence to support that it is harmful to the baby, but enough that doctors recommend not using it during pregnancy. I used to use Differin (also a topical cream) and have stashed it away for now.

jpratt | January 28 , 2012 4:16 PM

Q&A: What kind of exercises aren't safe for pregnancy?

I've had a regular hot yoga practice for severals years. I just don't agree that the 95 degree room would raise your body temp to the point of causing harm-- especially if you are following the rules, like drinking water throughout the class, and resting in childs pose when needed. There seems to be A LOT of mixed views on this-- doctors are saying, "don't risk it" and yogis say, "be safe and listen to your body". I'm really confused and I can't imagine 7 more months without my favorite workout!! Anyone have advice?

boosha | March 06 , 2012 5:13 PM

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