Physical Activity
When it's not safe to exercise
In accordance with the 2002 Australasian College of Gynaecology guidelines the following considerations need to be given prior to commencing an exercise programme in pregnancy.
Women with the following conditions should avoid aerobic exercise during pregnancy
- significant heart disease
- restrictive lung disease
- an incompetent cervix or cervical suture during pregnancy
- twins/triplets at risk for premature labour
- persistent second or third trimester bleeding
- placenta praevia after 26 weeks of gestation
- premature labour during the current pregnancy
- ruptured membranes
- pre-eclampsia/pregnancy induced hypertension.
Women with the following conditions should always seek medical advice before undertaking aerobic exercise during pregnancy:
- severe anaemia
- maternal cardiac arrhythmia
- chronic bronchitis
- poorly controlled type 1 diabetes
- morbid obesity
- extremely underweight
- a very sedentary lifestyle
- intrauterine growth restriction in current pregnancy
- poorly controlled high blood pressure
- orthopaedic limitations
- poorly controlled epilepsy
- poorly controlled hyperthyroidism
- heavy smoking.
Warning signs to stop exercising and call your doctor
- calf pain or swelling
- chest pain
- dececreased fetal movement
- headache
- leakage of amniotic fluid
- preterm labour
- vaginal bleeding
- uterine contractions
- deep, severe pubic or back pain
- unusual breathlessness
- palpitations or unusually slow heart beat
- lower abdominal pain or cramping.
Always consult a registered fitness professional before starting on an exercise programme. Consider using a personal trainer to work with you, they will assess your specific needs and physiological requirements and tailor an exercise programme to suit.
Article courtesy of Helen Wrightson, registered personal trainer