While exercising during pregnancy positively impacts the health and wellbeing of both you and your baby, occasionally health issues occur which increase risk to the pregnant mum or growing foetus. These health issues are contraindications to exercise, meaning that exercise should not be undertaken (in the case of absolute contraindications), or you should discuss with your doctor to hopefully gain permission to exercise (in the case of relative contraindications).

Of course, you should discuss all health issues during pregnancy with your trusted doctor. Further, it's important to get medical clearance to exercise. 

Absolute Contraindications to Exercise During Pregnancy

• significant heart or lung disease

• ruptured membranes

• premature labour

• persistent 2nd or 3rd trimester bleeding

• placenta previa

• pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia

• incompetent cervix

• evidence of intrauterine growth restriction

• high-order pregnancy (triplets +)

• uncontrolled type 1 or gestational diabetes

• uncontrolled epileptic fits or seizures

Relative Contraindications to Exercise During Pregnancy

• history of miscarriage or premature labour in previous pregnancy

• mild/moderate cardiovascular or respiratory disease (eg. chronic high blood pressure, asthma)

• anaemia or iron deficiency

• malnutrition or eating disorder

• twin pregnancy after 28th week

• chest pain

• vaginal spotting

• dyspnoea (difficult or laboured breathing) before exertion

• marked fatigue (more than expected)

• unexplained faintness or dizziness

• unexplained abdominal pain

• sudden swelling of ankles, hands or face

• persistent headaches or problems with headaches

• swelling, pain or redness in the calf of one leg

• absence of foetal movement after 6th month

• failure to gain weight after 5th month

• significant itchiness

• noticeable increase in your thirst

• dramatic recent weight gain or loss

• “suspected” amniotic fluid leakage

• other significant medical condition

• low-lying placenta (lay of placenta will need to be clarified by your doctor)