Safety Precautions for Exercise During Pregnancy

The New 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity Throughout Pregnancy gives the following advice 

• Avoid physical activity in excessive heat, especially high humidity.
• Avoid activities which involve physical contact or danger of falling.
• Avoid scuba diving.
• Lowlander women (ie living below 2500m) should avoid physical activity at high altitude (>2500m). Those considering physical activity above those altitudes should seek supervision from an obstetric care provider with knowledge of the impact of high-intensity physical activity on maternal and fetal outcomes.
• Those considering athletic competition or exercising significantly above the recommended guidelines should seek supervision from an obstetric care provider with knowledge of the impact of high-intensity physical activity on maternal and fetal outcomes.
• Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration- drink water before, during and after physical activity.
• Know the reasons to stop physical activity and consult a qualified healthcare provider 

Reasons to stop physical activity and consult a qualified healthcare provider 

• Persistent excessive shortness of breath that does not resolve on rest.
• Severe chest pain.
• Regular and painful uterine contractions.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Persistent loss of fluid from the vagina indicating rupture of membranes.
• Persistent dizziness or faintness that does not resolve on rest.