Exercise Guidelines

An update on exercise during pregnancy, plus the safest place in the car for your baby.

The following is a summary of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' revised guidelines for exercising while pregnant (from Obstetrics & Gynecology 2002; 99: 171-173).

• In the absence of contraindications (see below), pregnant women are encouraged to engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise a day on most, if not all, days of the week. As always, check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
• After the first trimester, pregnant women should avoid supine (on your back) positions during exercise. Motionless standing should be avoided as well.
• Participation in a wide range of recreational activities appears to be safe. However, activities with a high risk for falling or abdominal trauma should be avoided during pregnancy, such as ice hockey, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, horseback riding, downhill skiing and vigorous racquet sports.
• Scuba diving should be avoided throughout pregnancy.
• Exertion at altitudes of up to 6,000 feet appears to be safe; however, engaging in physical activities at higher altitudes carries various risks.

Absolute Contraindications to Aerobic Exercise During Pregnancy   Hemodynamically (pertaining to the movements involved in circulation of the blood) significant heart disease Restrictive lung disease Incompetent cervix/cerclage Multiple gestation at risk for premature labor Persistent second- or third-trimester bleeding Placenta previa after 26 weeks of gestation Premature labor during the current pregnancy Ruptured membranes Preeclampsia/pregnancy-induced hypertension Warning Signs to Stop Exercising and Call Your Doctor Vaginal bleeding Dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing) prior to exertion Dizziness Headache Chest pain Muscle weakness Calf pain or swelling Preterm labor Decreased fetal movement Amniotic fluid leakage