Exercise for the Physically Fit

Even if you're in great shape before you get pregnant, sometimes exercise during pregnancy may be strictly forbidden to protect the mother's health, baby's health, or both. Check with your doctor or midwife before continuing or changing an exercise regimen. If you have any of the following conditions, you'll probably be advised not to exercise during your pregnancy:

• Pregnancy induced hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Pre-term rupture of membranes

• Pre-term labor, now or during a prior pregnancy

• Incompetent cervix

• Persistent second or third trimester bleeding

• Intrauterine growth retardation

• Heart disease

If your doctor or midwife has given you the green light to continue your current routine - great! If you have any of the following symptoms while exercising, however, stop immediately and contact your doctor or midwife:

• Pain

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Feeling faint

• Vaginal bleeding

• Difficulty walking

• Back or pelvic pain

• Contractions

• Unusual absence of fetal movements. (But bear in mind that the baby is often most quiet when you're exercising.)

• Rapid heartbeat while resting.

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