Safety during pregnancy is paramount and studies have
shown a variety of exercises ranging from low exerting
forces such as Yoga to higher exerting forces such as
aerobic classes and jogging can be safe for both mother
and foetus[75]. Considering the importance of safety, it
is advised that some forms of exercise should not be
practiced during pregnancy, including the following:
recreational sports with increased risk of forceful contact
or falling (i.e., basketball, rugby, horseback riding and
gymnastics), exercising in a supine position after the
first trimester (may obstruct inferior vena cava flow),
motionless standing and scuba diving (risk of foetal
decompression sickness)[75]. Recreational physical
activity is encouraged and has been shown to improve
general wellbeing, pregnancy outcomes[76]. Furthermore
maternal mood and mental health have been shown to
benefit from recreational physical activity