Is It Safe for Pregnant Women to Engage in Physical Activity?

11 Jul 2024

One of the most common concerns that women have is about the safety of physical activity during pregnancy. Exercising while pregnant is actually beneficial for most women because it is healthy for the mother and the baby in many cases.

The most important thing for a successful pregnancy, however, is to follow proper guidance and take care of yourself and your baby. The purpose of this article is to provide expectant mothers with clarity about physical exercise safety during pregnancy.

Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy

Highlighting the many advantages of being active during pregnancy is crucial before getting into safety issues:

Enhancement of cardiovascular health

Better weight management

Reduced likelihood of gestational diabetes

Lower chance of hypertension associated to pregnancy

Improved mood and decreased stress

Easier labor and delivery

Quicker postnatal recovery

Accessed from: RPT Wellness website

Given these advantages, the team at our fertility clinic in Bangkok advise expectant mothers to exercise on a regular basis unless there are medical reasons not to.

What Exercise Is Safe During Pregnancy?

Many forms of exercise are safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Some recommended activities include:

Walking: An excellent low-impact cardio option

Swimming: Provides buoyancy and reduces strain on joints

Prenatal Yoga: Restores flexibility and relaxes you

Stationary Cycling: Cardiovascular workout with minimal impact

Low-impact Aerobics: Helps to keep active without requiring uncomfortable movements

Strength Training with Light Weights: Preserves strength and muscular tone

Accessed from:  Health Xchange website

What Exercise Is Not Safe During Pregnancy?

Even though many types of exercise are safe, pregnant women should avoid the following activities 

Contact Sports: There’s an elevated risk of abdominal injury in boxing, martial arts, or rugby.

High Fall Risk Activities: The possibility of falls makes skiing, horseback riding, and rock climbing hazardous.

Scuba Diving: This might cause the fetus to suffer from decompression sickness.

Hot Pilates or Yoga: Overheating can be dangerous for the developing baby.

High-Altitude Exercise: The fetus’s oxygen supply may be lowered by exercises performed at elevations above 6,000 feet.

Lying Flat on Your Back: After the first trimester, this position can reduce blood flow to the uterus.

Severe Heat Exposure: Steer clear of saunas, hot tubs and really hot weather workouts.

When to Stop Physical Activity During Pregnancy

While most of the time exercising is safe, there are circumstances in which you should stop and speak with your doctor:

Vaginal Bleeding: Any quantity of vaginal bleeding means you should see a doctor right away.

Contractions: Preterm labor may be indicated by regular, painful contractions.

Leak of Amniotic Fluid: This might indicate premature membrane rupture.

Lightheadedness or Fainting: These signs might point to cardiovascular problems.

Chest Pains: These might indicate cardiovascular issues.

Severe Headache: This may point to preeclampsia, especially if it is coupled with vision problems.

Muscle Weakening: Sudden muscle weakness could be a sign of neurological issues.

Calf Pain or Swelling: This might indicate a blood clot.

Decreased Fetal Movement: Get medical help if you see a noticeable drop in your baby’s movements.

What Are the Rules of Safe Exercise While Pregnant?

Following these recommendations for exercising during pregnancy can help to protect both the mother and the baby:

Get Medical Clearance: Throughout pregnancy, before beginning or continuing any fitness program, always speak with your healthcare professional.

Start Slowly: If you weren’t active before becoming pregnant, start off with low-intensity exercises and work your way up.

Keep Hydrated: Avoid dehydration by drinking enough water before, during, and after exercise.

Dress Appropriately: Go with a supportive bra and loose, airy clothes.

Warm Up and Cool Down: Injury can be avoided with appropriate warm-up and cool-down practices.

Prevent Overheating: Exercise away from hot, muggy weather and in a cool, well-ventilated place.

Pay Attention to Your Body: Take a break and get some rest if you’re feeling tired, out of breath, or uncomfortable.

Maintain Proper Form: As your center of gravity changes throughout pregnancy, watch your balance and posture.

Don’t Lie Flat on Your Back: This can decrease blood flow to the uterus after the first trimester.

Eat Well: Be sure you’re getting enough calories to sustain your fitness regimen and your pregnancy.

Accessed from: Australian Government website

Tailoring Exercise to Each Trimester

Your exercise routine may need to be adjusted as your pregnancy goes on:

First Trimester:

• Focus on establishing a consistent routine
• Be cautious if experiencing morning sickness or fatigue

Second Trimester:

• This is often the most comfortable time for exercise
• Avoid exercises that require lying flat on your back

Third Trimester:

• Lower intensity as your body prepares for birth
• Focus on exercises that can aid in labor, such as pelvic floor exercises

Tracking Exercise Intensity

Pregnant women should keep up a modest amount of activity. These are some methods to determine how hard you are working out:

Talk Test: First, you should be able to have a conversation while working out.

Heart Rate: For personalized heart rate recommendations, speak with your doctor.

Perceived Effort: Aim for a degree of exertion of 3-5 on a scale of 1–10.

Special Considerations

Exercise may need to be avoided or special care taken by some pregnant women:

Multiple Pregnancies: Mothers of twins or triplets might need to cut back on activities.

Preterm Labor History: Your doctor might advise limiting particular activities.

Particular Medical Conditions: Exercise restrictions may be required for conditions such as placenta previa or preeclampsia.

Keeping Fit and Healthy During Pregnancy

Staying active during pregnancy can support a healthy pregnancy and a stress-free delivery. First and foremost, always consult with your doctor before beginning or maintaining any exercise while you are pregnant. Your health status, medical history, and the stage of pregnancy will be reviewed to provide personalized medical advice.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at our Bangkok fertility clinic if you have any inquiries or concerns about doing exercise while you are pregnant. We are here to help you have a healthy pregnancy and happy parenting.