Top 5 Don'ts of Pregnancy Exercise

Are you expecting and looking to stay active during your pregnancy? In this must-watch video, we reveal the top 5 pregnancy exercise DON'Ts from a qualified doctor. Learn what activities to avoid to ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby.

From common misconceptions to expert advice, this video is packed with essential information that every pregnant individual should know. Don't risk your well-being; watch now to gain valuable insights and make informed choices about your fitness routine during this special time.

I often talk about what you need to do when it comes to exercising throughout your pregnancy. Now, I want to talk about what you should not do.

Below I chat with Obstetrician Dr Thevathasan about exercising when pregnant.

Don't over work yourself.

You need to be able to regulate your body temperature. So taking breaks, drinking water and staying ventilated is important. If an exercise seems too much for you, it probably is. Be on the side of caution.

Don't forget about your pelvic floor.

It's so important to engage your core correctly, especially in pregnancy. Learning about intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and lifting pelvic floor first, before engaging your deeper abdominals is important.

Don't stop exercising.

Unless there are complications, it's so important to keep moving throughout your pregnancy. Adjusting your movement to meet your energy levels is key, which is why prenatal yoga and Pilates for pregnancy are so important.

As is walking. Getting the body moving will help reduce aches and pains and prepare you for a better birth experience and postpartum recovery.

Don't lift too heavy.

The extra pressure on your muscles, joints and ligaments of your pregnancy is often enough, let alone adding excessive weight. You may feel fine in your pregnancy, but it won't be helping you in your postpartum recovery - especially your pelvic floor.

Don't forget to breathe.

Especially when it comes to focusing on the core, women get so overwhelmed that they end up holding their breath. It's so important to keep breathing and never hold your breath in pregnancy exercise.

Top 5 Don'ts of Pregnancy Exercise

Video duration: 10 minutes 44 seconds

Know what Exercises to Avoid

When it comes to pregnancy exercises, it's equally important to know what not to do as it is to know what to do. In fact, improper exercises can put you and your baby at risk, so let's get started and explore the top 5 pregnancy exercise DON'Ts that I want to share with you today.

Exercise has it's Benefits

One common misconception about exercise during pregnancy is that you shouldn't exercise at all. But that's not entirely true. While it's crucial to be cautious, the right exercises can actually help alleviate symptoms and prepare your body for childbirth.

Avoid High-impact Exercises

On the other hand, some exercises can cause more harm than good. For instance, high-impact exercises can put excessive pressure on your joints, which can lead to injuries. Another misconception is that exercising during pregnancy will increase the risk of miscarriage.

However, numerous studies have shown that moderate exercise during pregnancy has no significant impact on miscarriage rates.

We are All Different

It's essential to understand that every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. That's why it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine during pregnancy.

They can help you create a personalized plan that takes into account your health, fitness level, and any underlying conditions you might have.

Another critical factor to consider is the type of exercise you're doing. Some exercises may be perfectly safe during one trimester but become risky in another.

Let's move on to the top 5 pregnancy exercise DON'Ts.

1. Number one: any exercise that involves bending or twisting at the waist. These movements can put pressure on your spine and pelvis, which can lead to discomfort and even injury.

2. Number two: exercises that involve lying flat on your back after the first trimester. This position can cause the uterus to compress the vena cava, which can reduce blood flow to the placenta and the baby.

3. Number three: high-impact exercises like running when pregnant or jumping, which, as I mentioned earlier, can put excessive pressure on your joints.

4. Number four: exercises that involve holding your breath, like weightlifting or hot yoga. These activities can cause a spike in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby.

5. Number five: exercises that involve contact sports or activities with a high risk of injury, like soccer or basketball.