Pregnancy & Exercise - When You Should Avoid It

Experts advise most pregnant women to attempt maintaining some sort of regular exercise routine during all stages of pregnancy. I say most because exercise is NOT safe or recommended for certain pregnant women, mostly due to medical concerns. You should be able to continue exercising while expecting unless one or more of the following apply:

• you were significantly underweight pre-pregnancy
• you know are carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.)
• you have been diagnosed with "pregnancy-induced hypertension" or high blood pressure
• your membranes have ruptured prematurely (a.k.a - leaking amniotic fluid)
• you have experienced a dangerously premature labor in the past or are currently experiencing premature labor symptoms
• you have a condition known as an "incompetent cervix" where you dilate prematurely
• you have a history of miscarriages (especially occurring during the second trimester)
• you are experiencing bleeding during your second or third trimester
  
• you have been diagnosed with placenta privia or another placenta issue
• you are seriously anemic due to pregnancy
• you are experiencing severe pubic and/or lower back pain
• your baby is growing abnormally slow (a.k.a - "intrauterine growth restriction")
• you have another serious medical condition that could prevent you from exercising

Always check with your doctor about continuing a workout routine while pregnant, especially if you suspect any of these conditions. And constantly listen to your body when exercising.