Activity in Pregnancy
Physical Activities:
As your pregnancy progresses, you should avoid any activity that puts you at risk for falling or increases the chance of trauma to your abdomen. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that activities at altitudes over 6,000 feet may carry some risks, as less oxygen is available for you and your baby.
The following are a list of activities and restrictions that will guide you in your decision; however note that this is a partial list and does not take the place of common sense:
Play it smart by sticking to safe pregnancy activities. Even if you were very active before getting pregnant, if you're at risk for preterm labor or intrauterine growth restriction (when the baby fails to grow at a normal rate), you should cut back on your level of physical activity in your second and third trimesters. Your doctor at Lee Obstetrics and Gynecology can help you design a fitness routine that's right for you and your baby.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that you stop exercising immediately and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:
Other Activities
Physical Activities:
As your pregnancy progresses, you should avoid any activity that puts you at risk for falling or increases the chance of trauma to your abdomen. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that activities at altitudes over 6,000 feet may carry some risks, as less oxygen is available for you and your baby.
The following are a list of activities and restrictions that will guide you in your decision; however note that this is a partial list and does not take the place of common sense:
- Amusement park rides: Waterslides and other rides at amusement parks are not recommended
- Bicycling: Cycling is not a good idea. Stationary bikes are OK; however, falls from road bikes carry an increased potential for abdominal trauma
- Contact sports: Soccer, basketball, and hockey put you at a high risk of injury from a ball or puck, a collision with another player, or a fall during play and are not recommended.
- Downhill skiing: We and ACOG advise against downhill skiing anytime during pregnancy because of the risk of serious injuries and hard falls. A safer choice is cross-country skiing, which is also much better for building cardiovascular fitness. Avoid skiing at altitudes above 6,000 feet, where there's less oxygen for you and your baby.
- Gymnastics: Same risk of falling and increased chance of trauma to your abdomen.
- Horseback riding: Even if you're a expert rider, it is not recommended
- Post-sport tubs and saunas: Soaking in hot tubs and Jacuzzis or sitting in a sauna can be dangerous to your developing baby because overheating has been linked to birth defects (Neural Tube Defects)
- Running: If you weren't a runner before you got pregnant, now's not the time to take it up. Otherwise, it's fine in moderation. From your second trimester on, when the risk of falling increases, you should run with caution. As with all forms of exercise, avoid becoming overheated, and drink plenty of water to replace fluids lost through sweating.
- Scuba diving: Absolutely contraindicated in all trimesters of pregnancy
- Snowboarding: Same risk of falling and increased chance of trauma to your abdomen.
- Surfing: Same risk of falling and increased chance of trauma to your abdomen.
- Tennis: A moderately paced game of tennis is acceptable, only if you played before you became pregnant. You may have problems with balance and sudden stops, so watch your step. Most women find that it's hard to keep up their game as their bellies get bigger in the second and third trimesters.
- Waterskiing: Another activity that puts you at risk for falling and increases the chance of trauma to your abdomen; therefore, not recommended.
- Boating: Slow boat rides are acceptable. Boating that causes jerking and/or pounding movements can cause abdominal trauma and should be avoided
Play it smart by sticking to safe pregnancy activities. Even if you were very active before getting pregnant, if you're at risk for preterm labor or intrauterine growth restriction (when the baby fails to grow at a normal rate), you should cut back on your level of physical activity in your second and third trimesters. Your doctor at Lee Obstetrics and Gynecology can help you design a fitness routine that's right for you and your baby.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that you stop exercising immediately and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:
- vaginal bleeding
- shortness of breath
- dizziness or feeling faint
- headache
- chest pain
- muscle weakness
- calf pain or swelling (which could indicate a blood clot)
- preterm labor
- decreased fetal movement
- fluid leaking from the vagina
Other Activities
- Travelling: In general travel and flying are OK in uncomplicated pregnancies until 34 weeks. Make frequent stops (every 1-2 hours) and walk for a few minutes. Remember to drink plenty of fluids.
- Painting: Painting with latex paint is OK in well ventilated areas. Stop painting if you feel dizzy or weak.
- Perms and Haircoloring: Perms and coloring are OK in pregnancy; however your hairdresser will likely not guarantee them due to the changes in hair texture in pregnancy.
- Sex: Sex is not harmful in uncomplicated pregnancies. Occasionally you may experience spotting. If you have bleeding that is more than spotting or bleeding that persists, please call the office.
- Pet Care: Please have someone else change your cat's litter-box and your fish-tank water due to risk of certain infections that can potentially harm your baby
- Dental Treatment: Please let your dentist know that you are pregnant. Do not use any gas. Your dentist may use local anesthesia. An abdominal shield should be used for any X-ray.