WHAT EXERCISES SHOULD I AVOID?
The below information is sourced directly from the American College of Gynaecologists (ACOG) guidelines.
The following activities should be avoided during pregnancy:
• Downhill snow skiing. As with racquet sports, your changing center of gravity can cause balance problems. This puts you at risk for severe injuries and falls. Even if you are skilled and careful, some hazards are beyond your control. For instance, exercising at altitudes higher than 6,000 feet can increase your risk of altitude sickness. This makes it harder for you to breathe and may cut down on your baby's supply of oxygen.
• Contact sports, such as ice hockey, soccer, and basketball, could result in harm to both you and your baby.
• Scuba diving should be avoided during pregnancy. The large amounts of pressure from the water put your baby at risk for decompression sickness.
• Anything that puts a strain on your joints or ligaments - such as high-impact aerobics, difficult yoga positions or jogging on the road - should be done more gently.
• There's a higher risk of strains during pregnancy because hormones are released to loosen your joints and ligaments in preparation for the birth, when your pelvis needs to open to allow your baby to be born.
With some activities, such as gymnastics, water skiing, and horseback riding, there is an increased risk of falling, which in some cases can cause injury. These activities also should be avoided during pregnancy. With any type of exercise you'd like to try, be sure to discuss it with your doctor ahead of time. If you are an athlete, let your doctor know so you can get any special care you may need.
