Ask Dr Miriam

QI’ve just found out I’m pregnant and I want to stay fit. I already have quite a good exercise regime that I follow but I’m unaware of the things I can’t do. Can you help me? Congratulations on your great news. Here are some tips about what not to do while exercising in pregnancy.

Don’t exercise when you feel unwell, if it’s very hot or if you have any pelvic pain.

Never work out to exhaustion or to the point when you can’t speak easily.

Cut out exercise if you have any vaginal bleeding or if you get lots of “tightenings” when

Ayou exercise. After 16 weeks into your pregnancy don’t exercise on your back as you may reduce the blood and oxygen flow to the baby. And you should avoid any activities where there’s an increased risk of falling or stressing out your joints, for example, running down stairs or escalators, running for the bus, cycling, horse riding or skiing.

Don’t indulge in sports where there’s physical contact, such as many vigorous types of ball game.

And, as you might expect, scuba diving isn’t recommended.