Exercise and pregnancy: Dos, don'ts, and health benefits

Following on from his previous article on exercise during pregnancy, Dr Panicos Shangaris continues to give us more insights. He talks about specific exercises or activities that should be avoided during pregnancy or during fertility treatments, how a woman’s pre-existing exercise routine and level impacts her ability to continue exercising while pregnant and the potential benefits of maintaining a regular exercise routine.

Are there any specific exercises or activities that should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly in the context of fertility treatments?

Yes, certain exercises and activities are generally recommended to be avoided during pregnancy, especially if you're undergoing fertility treatments. Here are some guidelines:

Exercises and activities to avoid during pregnancy:

High-impact sports: Activities like basketball, soccer, or any sport that involves a lot of jumping or the risk of falling should be avoided.

Contact sports: Sports like boxing, wrestling, and other martial arts carry a high risk of injury and should be avoided.

Activities with fall risk: Skiing, horseback riding, and other activities with a high risk of falling should be avoided to protect against injury.

Deep water diving and scuba diving: These activities can put your baby at risk due to changes in pressure and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Hot yoga or hot pilates: Elevated body temperatures during pregnancy can be harmful, so avoiding activities involving excessive heat is best.

Exercises lying flat on the back: After the first trimester, avoid exercises that involve lying flat on your back for an extended period, as this can reduce blood flow to the placenta.

Heavy weightlifting: Heavy weights can put too much strain on your muscles and joints, which are already stressed during pregnancy.

Specific to fertility treatments:

High-intensity workouts: Especially during the stimulation phase of IVF or other treatments, high-intensity workouts could interfere with treatment and should be avoided.

Twisting and inversion poses in yoga: Some yoga poses involve twisting the abdomen or inversions, potentially interfering with implantation during fertility treatments.

Vigorous cardio: While moderate cardio can be beneficial, very vigorous cardiovascular exercise can be too stressful on the body when you're undergoing fertility treatments.

Core-focused exercises: During certain phases of fertility treatment, your ovaries may be enlarged, making exercises that put pressure on the core (like sit-ups, crunches, or Pilates roll-ups) potentially uncomfortable or risky.

Listen to your body; if an activity feels uncomfortable or painful, it's best to stop and consult a medical professional.

These are general guidelines and may not apply to everyone. Your healthcare provider can offer the most accurate and personalised advice.

How does a woman's pre-existing exercise routine and fitness level impact her ability to continue exercising during fertility treatments and pregnancy?

A woman's pre-existing exercise routine and fitness level can significantly impact her ability to continue exercising during fertility treatments and pregnancy. Here's how:

Impact on Fertility Treatments:

1. Adaptability: Women with an established exercise routine may find it easier to adapt their activities to suit the requirements and restrictions of fertility treatments.

2. Stress management: Those already physically active often have better stress management skills, which can be beneficial during the emotionally taxing process of fertility treatments.

3. Hormonal balance: A moderate level of exercise can help maintain hormonal balance, which is crucial during fertility treatments. However, over-exercising can disrupt hormonal levels, so moderation is key.

Impact on pregnancy:

1. Continuation: Women who were active before pregnancy can generally continue their fitness routine, albeit with some modifications to accommodate their changing bodies and ensure the fetus's safety.

2. Lower risk of complications: Pre-existing fitness levels can contribute to a lower risk of pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

3. Body awareness: Women who are already-fit are often more in tune with their bodies, which can help recognise any discomfort or signals that may require modification of their exercise routine.

4. Faster recovery: A good fitness level before pregnancy can also aid in more straightforward labour and quicker postpartum recovery.

General guidelines:

1. Consult a healthcare provider: Regardless of fitness level, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice tailored to individual health needs and treatment plans.

2. Moderation and adaptation: Even if you're used to high-intensity workouts, switching to a more moderate exercise routine might be necessary during fertility treatments and pregnancy.

3. Strength training: If you were already doing strength training before, you could generally continue with modifications as advised by your healthcare provider.

4. Listen to your body: Remember how you feel during exercise; if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

5. Hydration and nutrition: Being fit doesn't exempt you from the basic rules of staying hydrated and well-nourished, significantly since your nutritional needs may change during fertility treatments and pregnancy.

By understanding your body and consulting with healthcare providers, you can adapt your pre-existing exercise routine to suit better the physical and emotional demands of fertility treatments and pregnancy.

Can you explain the potential benefits of maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout pregnancy regarding fertility outcomes and overall maternal health?

Maintaining a regular exercise routine during pregnancy can offer various benefits that affect fertility outcomes and overall maternal health. Here's a breakdown:

Benefits for fertility outcomes:

1. Improved hormonal balance: Regular, moderate exercise can help regulate hormones, which benefits women undergoing fertility treatments.

2. Better stress management: Exercise is known to reduce stress and improve mood, which can be particularly helpful during the often-stressful process of fertility treatments.

3. Enhanced blood flow: Exercise improves circulation, which is beneficial for uterine health and may support implantation during fertility treatments.

4. Optimised body weight: Exercise can help manage body weight, which is crucial as underweight and overweight conditions can affect fertility.

5. Reduced insulin resistance: Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and benefit women with PCOS, a common cause of infertility.

Benefits for overall maternal health:

1. Reduced risk of pregnancy complications: Regular exercise has been shown to decrease the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other pregnancy-related health issues.

2. Improved cardiovascular health: Exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation, which benefits both mother and baby.

3. Better musculoskeletal health: Exercise can help manage common musculoskeletal issues during pregnancy, such as back pain and pelvic discomfort.

4. Enhanced mood and mental health: Physical activity can improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are not uncommon during pregnancy.

5. Improved stamina for labour: Regular exercise can help build the stamina needed for labour and delivery.

6. Quicker postpartum recovery: Women who maintain a healthy exercise routine during pregnancy often experience quicker postpartum recovery.

7. Healthy weight management: Exercise and a balanced diet can help manage weight gain during pregnancy and facilitate weight loss postpartum.

8. Better sleep: Many women find that regular exercise improves the quality of their sleep during pregnancy, which is often disrupted due to physical discomfort and hormonal changes.

9. Enhanced immunity: Moderate exercise can boost the immune system, which is beneficial during pregnancy when women are more susceptible to infections.

10. Positive impact on fetal health: Evidence suggests that maternal exercise can also benefit fetal health, potentially leading to more uncomplicated deliveries and healthier babies.

It's crucial to consult with healthcare providers for a personalised exercise plan that is safe and effective, given the unique needs and conditions of each pregnancy and any ongoing fertility treatments.

Dr Panicos Shangaris is an esteemed consultant in obstetrics and maternal and fetal medicine with over 15 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Shangaris on his Top Doctors profile.