As amazing as pregnancy is, during it your health can change rapidly, and it may be that you develop contraindications to exercise that were not present when you first signed up to The Bump Plan.
It’s important that if your health changes during your pregnancy you refer to the list below immediately. If you develop any of the following health conditions, you MUST cease your Bump Plan workouts and get in touch with us as soon as possible. Your, and your baby’s health, are the most important thing to us.
Absolute contraindications to exercise
Absolute contraindications refer to conditions where moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is not recommended as the risks outweigh the potential benefits and could result in adverse effects for the mother and/or foetus, however, activities of daily living may continue. Light activity such as walking may be acceptable however, specialist input from a medical professional is required and decisions should be made on an individual basis.
- Severe respiratory diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, restrictive lung disease, cystic fibrosis, asthma, shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and chest tightness)
- Severe acquired or congenital heart disease with exercise intolerance
- Uncontrolled or severe arrhythmia
- Placental abruption
- Vasa previa
- Uncontrolled type 1 diabetes
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- Active preterm labour (i.e. regular and painful uterine contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy
- Severe pre-eclampsia
- Cervical insufficiency
Relative Contraindications
Relative contraindications refer to conditions where activity should be approached with caution and discussion with a healthcare professional is advised. The advantages and disadvantages of low-to-moderate intensity physical activity should be considered and may potentially proceed subject to modifications, supervision, and with continuous monitoring. It’s advised you speak to your Dr if you are worried about exercising.
- Mild respiratory disorders (see Absolute Contraindications list above for full list)
- Mild congenital or acquired heart disease
- Well-controlled type 1 diabetes
- Mild pre-eclampsia
- Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROMs).
- Placenta previa after 28 weeks
- Untreated thyroid disease
- Symptomatic, severe eating disorders
- Multiple nutrient deficiencies and/or chronic undernutrition
- Moderate–heavy smoking (>20 cigarettes per day) in the presence of comorbidities
Warning signs to discontinue exercise when pregnant
Whilst exercising during pregnancy is very safe if you are a low-risk pregnancy, there are some warning signs to look out for that would require you to stop exercising.
If you experience any of the following symptoms whilst completing your Bump Plan workouts, please STOP exercising immediately and call your midwife or maternity unit:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Regular and painful contractions
- Amniotic fluid leakage
- Dyspnea before exertion
- Persistent excessive shortness of breath that does not resolve with rest
- Persistent dizziness or faintness that does not resolve on rest
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Muscle weakness affecting balance
- Calf pain or swelling
- Severe pelvic girdle pain that does not improve within a week or two, or interferes with normal day-to-day living
Hopefully none of these will present issues to you, and we hope that you have a healthy & happy pregnancy. However, please ensure that you regularly check back to this list throughout your pregnancy.
I really hope you enjoy The Bump Plan!