Congrats on deciding to exercise during your pregnancy!! You are making a great choice for you and your baby. That said, we do want you to know what are the things to look out for while exercising that mean you should STOP immediately and consult your doctor. If you are aware of these things, and do not experience them during exercise, you should feel confident to continue to stay active!
- Vaginal bleeding: While some vaginal bleeding can be completely normal during pregnancy, we recommend stopping exercise and talking to your doctor before you continue. It can be a sign of something more serious.
- Abdominal pain: Some minor aches and pains are par for the course with pregnancy; however, if you notice a change or increase in pain while exercising, stop and consult your doctor.
- Regular painful contractions: Mild contractions can be normal during exercise; however, if they occur many times in a row and become painful, stop exercising and call your doctor.
- Amniotic fluid leakage: This one is often confusing! Many women leak urine during pregnancy so could be leaking amniotic fluid without even realizing it! If you notice involuntary leaking, especially with a sudden onset, you should check. One simple way to check is to observe the fluid, if it is clear and odorless, it could be amniotic fluid. We recommend going to labor and delivery or calling your doctor. They can do a quick test of the fluid to see whether or not your water has broken.
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath) before exertion and/or Dizziness: If you are feeling faint or dizzy at any point during or before starting exercise, you should stop and consult your doctor.
- Headache: While a headache can be completely benign, a headache that begins or worsens during pregnancy could indicate a more serious condition or possibly hydration. You should stop and consult your doctor to report this new symptom.
- Chest pain: Whether you are pregnant or not, if you ever experience chest pain you should stop exercising and call your doctor, or even head to the emergency room. Chest pain is a very serious concern! Note: You may experience some discomfort from enlarged breasts during exercise while pregnant. You should be able to tell the difference between tender breasts and chest pain.
- Muscle weakness affecting balance: If you notice you feel weak or are having trouble balancing, you should stop exercising as this could increase the chance of a fall or injury.
- Calf pain or swelling: If you notice any pain, tenderness or swelling in your calves at any time during pregnancy or exercise, consult your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a serious health condition that requires treatment.
Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 804. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135(4):e178-e188.
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