Pregnancy Limitations

While you can continue with many of your usual healthy activities during pregnancy, there are certain things that just aren’t safe. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts.

Don’t Get Too Hot

When you’re tired and achy, a nice, hot soak might sound like just the thing, but raising your body temperature too much can cause dangerous problems for your baby. You should avoid:

• Hot tubs
• Saunas
• Hot baths
• Hot yoga
• Strenuous exercise
• Being outside in the heat for lengthy periods of time

Steer Clear of Roller Coasters

Theme park rides can be great fun, but you should stick to the kiddie rides while pregnant. Rides that involve higher speeds, sharp turns and/or sudden stops can cause placental abruption, a potentially life-threatening condition where the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus.

Choose Your Exercise Carefully

Stick to low- and no-impact sports like walking, swimming and gentle stretching. Stay away from activities that increase your risk of falling or other injuries, like:

• Contact sports
• Rock climbing
• Skiing
• Ice skating
• Horseback riding
• Anything with jarring, jerking or jumping movements

Avoid Heavy Lifting

Even if you’re used to lifting heavy objects, it’s not a good idea while you’re pregnant. Because your ligaments are looser during pregnancy, you’re at greater risk of injury. Heavy lifting has also been shown to increase your risk of miscarriage and preterm labor.

For more information on the motherhood wellness journey, visit BayCare's Motherhood Wellness Program.