recommendations from the american college of obstetrics and gynecology say that pregnant women who have an uncomplicated pregnancy should participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most if not all days of the week. a few exceptions are noted: ice hockey kickboxing soccer and horseback riding probably should be avoided because they are activities with higher risk of trauma to the abdomen. also scuba diving poses a risk of decompression sickness ("the bends") to the fetus and should be avoided. elevated temperatures can have adverse effects on the development of the fetus. therefore hot tubs and sauna baths should be avoided when trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?