Activities to avoid during pregnancy

• A good rule of thumb to bear in mind is that if you didn't exercise much before you were pregnant, it's probably not a good idea to launch into a full-on routine now.
  
  
• Avoid exercising when it is hot or humid, and only perform light exercise.
  
  
• Avoid any activity that puts you at risk of falling. This includes things like horse-riding, surfing, water-skiiing, gymnastics and aerobics.
  
  
• Activities where you might fall also include tennis, badminton, and other lighter sports. Although you might feel fine doing them earlier on in your pregnancy, as your body changes your centre of gravity will change - and in turn your sense of balance will be affected.
  
  
• If you want to go jogging make sure it is only light jogging, as otherwise you may be putting too much pressure on your joints and your back.
  
  
• Avoid all contact sports, as there is a risk that there could be a blow to your abdomen. Unfortunately for sports fans, this means activities like football and hockey are off the menu for the time being.
  
  
• Exercising at high altitude is not recommended as there will be less oxygen for you to breathe. So climbing, mountaineering, or hot-air ballooning are probably best left alone for now.
  
  
• When doing stretches, try not to over-stretch, as you are more likely to pull a muscle when pregnant.
  
  
• Also, avoid exercise where you have to lie flat on your back with your legs raised, as the weight of your uterus may cause undue strain on your blood vessels. This could include certain yoga positions, or sit-ups.

• Visiting a waterpark or theme park is not advisable unless you are only watching from the sidelines. Experiencing sudden acceleration or a sudden landing could be harmful to your baby, and may even bring on pre-term labour. Many signs at theme parks will advise pregnant women not to go on the rides.
  
  
• Some studies show that an increase in your body temperature can cause harm to your baby. So don't worry too much about a warm soak in the tub, but a bath that is too hot is not a good idea. Equally Jacuzzis, hot tubs and saunas should be avoided.
  
  
• You may also want to avoid wearing high heels, especially towards your 3rd trimester. This is because your sense of balance will be impaired by your new centre of gravity, and you might find your new weight makes restrictive shoes extremely uncomfortable.
  
  
• It's generally safe to fly by plane during pregnancy, but during your 3rd trimester you might experience more discomfort and there might be more airline restrictions on you flying. This is not so much because of your safety but more because airlines worry that you may go into labour during the flight, and they won't have the facilities to cope with this.

• Avoid taking aspirin - a one-off dose is okay, but if you start taking it regularly throughout your pregnancy, studies have shown that there could be pregnancy complications.
  
  
• Certain kinds of medicines should be avoided in pregnancy, so always check the label to be sure.
  
  
• Avoid wearing under-wired bras, as they could restrict the sudden changes to the shape of your breasts - plus you may find that they are too uncomfortable for you to wear.
  
  
• You should also avoid smoking during pregnancy and be careful about the amount of coffee you drink, as studies have shown these both can be harmful to your baby.

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