Sometimes, even with the best of intentions we get things wrong. Ever tried to buy a book for a loved one only to find out that, due to a lack of communication, several other people have bought the same gift? Or have you ever booked a last-minute holiday to surprise your partner, then discovered that the destination is the last place your partner visited with their ex? Whatever you do, life will find a way to say “nice try, but no”. Even cooking pasta goes wrong! You measure out how much you think you need, and without fail, you end up with way less or way more than you needed. And that’s just something minor like pasta. When it comes to something important like exercise to avoid in pregnancy, you’ve got a learning curve to conquer.

Before we continue, always seek medical advice if you are worried about carrying out exercise activities that you may have heard could cause injury to your child, for example, infant shoulder dystocia. Let’s look at what types of exercise to avoid in pregnancy.

Anything with fast movements

This could include skiing, cycling off-road, riding a horse, and performing gymnastics. Bouncing movements should be avoided. Especially where there is any risk of falling.

Sports or activities that involve balls

Using a medicine (weighted) ball or playing a sport that involves a ball is ill-advised during pregnancy. This is because any impact in the stomach area could risk the safety of your child.

Scuba diving or deep-sea diving

Although swimming is a recommended low impact exercise during pregnancy, scuba diving and deep sea diving could pose risk or injury to your unborn child. Deep diving can cause decompression sickness, for example.

Exercise at high altitude

Exercise at an altitude greater than around 6,000 ft can pose a safety risk in general, let alone while pregnant. At that height there is less oxygen. Note that people who live at altitude will naturally produce greater levels of red blood cells to cope with the lower oxygen levels. This means that people who live at altitude have some resilience. But should always consult with a physician before developing an exercise regime while pregnant.

Finally, don’t get too hot…

Any exercise that causes you to heat up quickly (such as Bikram yoga and outdoors exercise on hot days) can cause dehydration, dizziness, increased heart rate, and chest pain. You should stop immediately if you develop these symptoms.

A nice stroll on the other hand is probably your best bet.