Pregnancy and The Female Athlete

More on women & sports

Pregnancy doesn't have to hinder your current physical activity and sport participation.

However, pregnancy does cause many changes in your body, and some special considerations must not be ignored.

It is important to talk to your Ob/Gyn medical practitioner for specific guidelines before beginning an exercise program to make sure you do not have any health condition that may restrict your activity.

Special precautions during exercise include:

• Heart Rate: Keep your exercise at a moderate level. If you can't talk normally while you exercise, then your exercise is too strenuous.

• Body Temperature: Avoid becoming overheated during pregnancy. Avoid exercise in hot and humid weather conditions. Drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration.

• After the first trimester of pregnancy: Avoid doing exercises while flat on your back. This position can interfere with proper blood circulation.

• Hormones: Hormones being produced during pregnancy cause a relaxation of the ligaments. As a result, the joints are more lax and more at risk for injury. It is important to take precaution to avoid activities that involve bouncing, jerking or high impact.

• Balance: Especially in the last few months of pregnancy, the extra weight creates a change in your body's center of gravity. Avoid activities that place you off-balance or at risk for falling.

• Warning Signs: Stop exercise and contact your physician if you have any of these symptoms:
  • Pain.

  • Rapid heartbeat.

  • Vaginal bleeding.

  • Difficulty walking.

  • Dizziness or feeling faint.

  • Uterine contractions.

  • Increased shortness of breath.

  • Fluid leaking from the vagina.

Contact Southcoast SPORT

Get help quickly. Call the Sports Injury hotline at:
508-961-7656

Southcoast SPORT: Sports Performance & Orthopedic Rehabilitation Team