When Not To Exercise

In many of my previous blogs I have written about the importance of exercise. Specific exercise can help alleviate many of the common pregnancy aches and pain. However it is also important to be aware of when exercise is not going to be helpful and in some cases detrimental.

If there is ever vaginal bleeding one must stop exercising and go straight to the doctor, do not pass go and do not collect 200 [insert preferred currency]. There could be many reasons for the bleeding, some more serious than others, but either way it always needs to be checked out.

If you have dyspnoea before exertion, dizziness, headaches, chest pain or muscle weakness these are all more reasons to go to the doctor straight away. Do not wait for your next appointment but rather go straight away.

If you have calf pain (back of the leg) or swelling then it is best to rule out thrombophlebitis. This again is something that should not wait till the next appointment.

The more familiar reasons to take your self straight off to the doctor are preterm labour, decreased fetal movements and amniotic fluid leakage.

Treatment is often much more useful when started sooner rather than later, therefore do not push off going to the doctor, even if you think it is not serious. Doctors expect patients to come in with these symptoms and it is their job so they will not look down on you for going.

Pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies should be highly encouraged to continue and even start (gently) with exercise. There are many benefits to exercise, but just as important as it is to exercise, so too are the signs of when not to exercise and when to take your self off to the doctor.

If you are suffering from any pain and would like to book an appointment, please contact me on 0544485086 or by email to tamaramay.physio@gmail.com. I can arrange to see you privately or through Leumit in Bishvilaych Women's Comprehensive Medical Centre in Givat Shaul, Jerusalem or a home visit if you live in Gush Etzion.