Before you begin or continue an exercise program during pregnancy, it is mandatory that you discuss your fitness plan with your medical provider. Continue to obtain approval from your healthcare professional for continued exercise during each prenatal appointment.
Relative Contraindications to Exercise
Use extra precaution, and discuss with your medical professional how your exercise program should be limited and what to avoid. Only proceed with an exercise program under supervision of your healthcare provider, if you have any of the following: (ACOG Guidelines)
- Heart Problems, High blood pressure/hypertension, or maternal cardio arrhythmia
- Anemia
- Asthma, Chronic bronchitis or lung problems
- Diabetes
- Thyroid Problems
- Seizures
- Extremely over or under weight
- Muscle or joint problems
- History of spontaneous miscarriages
- History of previous premature labors
- Carrying multiples (e.g., twins, triplets)
- A previously sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking (BabyFit recommends immediate cessation of smoking during pregnancy)
- Orthopedic limitations
- Intrauterine growth restriction in current pregnancy
Absolute Contraindications to Exercise
Conditions that indicate a woman should not participate in an exercise program during pregnancy. (ACOG Guidelines)
- Hemodynamically significant heart disease
- Restrictive lung disease
- Incompetent cervix/cerclage
- Multiple gestation at risk of premature labor
- Persistent second or third trimester bleeding
- Placenta previa after 28 weeks of gestation
- Premature labor during current pregnancy
- Ruptured membranes
- Preeclampsia/pregnancy induced hypertension
