Weight gain is an inevitable and necessary part of pregnancy. But if you're starting out overweight or obese, you may worry about gaining more weight and are consider starting an exercise program. Obesity increases your risk for complications in pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you should not exercise without your doctor's approval. Exercise could worsen certain medical conditions in a high-risk pregnancy.
Exercise in Normal Pregnancy
For obese women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, exercise can help control weight gain, reduce the aches and discomforts of pregnancy and decrease the risk of complications in pregnancy. Doctors no longer recommend taking it easy in pregnancy or keeping your heart rate below a certain level if you're an experienced exerciser. Exercise has positive benefits for mom and baby alike. Moderate exercise in pregnancy is associated with normal fetal growth, according to an article published in the January 2011 issue of "Pregnancy and Childbirth."
Contraindications
Some pregnancy complications preclude exercise in any form. If you have preterm labor, bleeding in the second or third trimester, or placenta previa -- in which part of the placenta covers the opening of the cervix -- you should not exercise at all, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Other contraindications include pregnancy-induced hypertension, certain heart conditions, restrictive lung disease and an incompetent cervix. If you have a stitch put into the cervix to keep it closed, called a cerclage, you should not exercise at all. Your doctor may also advise against exercise if you have poorly controlled diabetes, a history of seizures, poorly controlled high blood pressure or if you're extremely obese.
Acceptable Exercise
Every at-risk pregnant woman has a different set of circumstances, especially if you have the added risk of obesity. No one exercise is safe for every pregnant woman. Low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming may be safest if you're obese with a high-risk pregnancy. But don't attempt these exercises unless your doctor approves. Avoid exercises that could increase your risk of falling and exercises that could affect your oxygenation, such as scuba diving.
Warning Signs
Stop exercising immediately and notify your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid from the vagina, decreased fetal movement, shortness of breath, swelling in the lower leg or calf, uterine contractions, dizziness, headaches or passing out. See your doctor immediately if you start retaining fluid, if you have diabetes that becomes unstable or harder to control or if you feel weak or ill.
