Guidelines regarding absolute and relative contraindications to exercise during pregnancy_ Adapted from Olson et al_ [9]_
| Absolute Contraindications | Relative Contraindications |
|---|---|
| Incompetent uterine cervix Intrauterine growth restriction | Extreme underweight (body mass index < 12.0) or maternal eating disorder (such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia) |
| Multiple gestations (≥ triplets) | Maternal cardiac arrhythmia or cardiovascular disorder |
| Persistent second or third trimester bleeding | Mild to moderate respiratory disorder |
| Placenta previa after 25–28 weeks of gestation | Previous spontaneous abortion |
| Preeclampsia | Severe anemia (Hemoglobin concentration < 100 g x L-1) |
| Pregnancy-induced hypertension | Twin pregnancy after 28 weeks of gestation |
| Premature labor during current or prior pregnancy | Poorly controlled hypertension |
| Premature rupture of membranes | Poorly controlled type 1 diabetes |
| Risk of premature labor | History of extreme sedentary lifestyle |
| Orthopedic limitations | |
| Extreme morbid obesity | |
| Poorly controlled seizure disorder or hypothyroidism | |
| Other significant medical condition |