Exercise Guidelines

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