Pregnant? When is it unsafe to exercise?
Pregnancy is an exciting, life-changing, transformative time… IN EVERY SENSE.
But it is also a stage in which many doubts arise as to what is safe or not to do.
Fears of movement or knowing what “X” movement or “Y” effort can produce can cause you as a mother to be in a situation of uncertainty.
GOOD NEWS! ❤️ A program tailored to the mother and aligned with current scientific evidence indicates that there is no increased risk of fetal loss due to exercise.
On the contrary, you will obtain a large number of benefits already proven for the health of the mother and the baby.
However, there are specific situations where exercise is contraindicated, either relatively or absolutely.
➡️ This article collects the evidence indicated in the British Journal of Sports Medicine ("Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy" on the one hand and "Why can't I exercise during pregnancy? Time to revisit medical 'absolute' and 'relative' contraindications: systematic review of evidence of harm and a call to action on the other hand") and ACOG Committee Opinion 804 ("Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period").
✨ Shall we demystify some contraindications?
Traditionally, there are several contraindications that prohibit physical exercise. However, there is no scientific evidence that exercise can increase the risk of pregnancy complications for both mother and baby; and being sedentary could be worse:
- Chronic or gestational hypertension.
- Multiple pregnancies, under no circumstances.
- Short cervix.
- History of recurrent miscarriages.
- History of fetal growth restriction.
- Anemia.
- Epilepsy.
- Biomechanical or orthopedic limitations.
- Mothers who are overweight or obese.
- Extreme sedentary lifestyle.
🙏 Absolute contraindications. Should I avoid exercise completely?
There are certain medical conditions or obstetric complications that pose a significant risk to both the mother and the fetus, so:
- Moderate or vigorous exercise (40-80%) will be contraindicated
- Daily activities may continue to be performed, as well as light physical activity (below 40%) under supervision.
- Absolute rest is practically never recommended, but at least walking should be allowed.
Absolute contraindications are:
- ❌ Severe cardiorespiratory diseases.
- ❌ Severe intrauterine growth restriction.
- ❌ Vasa previa.
- ❌ Placental abruption.
- ❌ Uncontrolled type 1 diabetes.
- ❌ Preterm active labor.
- ❌ Severe preeclampsia or uncontrolled gestational hypertension.
- ❌ Incompetent cervix.
Relative contraindications. Let's increase caution, but let's keep exercising!
In these situations, exercise is not prohibited, but it should be performed under supervision and with extra caution, with the mother and baby's condition being regularly assessed.
Relative contraindications are:
- Placenta previa after 28 weeks of gestation.
- Moderate preeclampsia.
- Controlled type 1 diabetes.
- Premature rupture of the membranes before week 37.
- Untreated thyroid disease
- Symptomatic and untreated eating disorders.
- Malnutrition.
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Smokers with comorbidities.
In any case, it's essential to design an individualized program that minimizes risks while allowing you to reap the benefits of exercise.
Last but not least: The warning signs.
Even in the absence of absolute or relative contraindications, it's crucial to be alert to certain symptoms during exercise. If you experience any of the following warning signs, you should stop exercising immediately and consult your doctor:
- Sudden severe abdominal or pelvic pain, or regular uterine contractions.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Dizziness or difficulty breathing that you cannot recover from.
- Persistent chest pain or headache.
- Decreased or absent fetal movement after physical activity.
- Loss of amniotic fluid.
Exercise during pregnancy is a powerful tool for promoting maternal and fetal health, provided it is performed safely and tailored to individual needs. However, absolute and relative contraindications must be respected.
Published scientific research reinforces the importance of controlled physical activity during pregnancy , highlighting how appropriate exercise can improve health outcomes without compromising safety.
If you have questions or need personalized guidance on starting an exercise program during your pregnancy, don't hesitate to contact our professionals.
✨We have a team specifically specialized in pregnancy and postpartum health.
We're here to help you ❤️ move with confidence and ensure your well-being and that of your baby.
Click here to learn about our plans and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions when choosing your plan.