For most women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, staying active is both safe and beneficial. However, your health and pregnancy can change, and you may develop a condition or symptom that was not present when you first joined Bump Strong Fitness.

If your health changes, you receive a new diagnosis or your maternity team advises you to modify your activity, pause your workouts and follow their guidance.

Bump Strong Fitness cannot diagnose symptoms or provide medical clearance. If you are ever unsure whether it is safe for you to exercise, speak to your midwife, GP or maternity team before continuing.

When to seek advice before exercising

Some medical conditions and pregnancy complications may mean that exercise needs to be modified, supervised or temporarily avoided.

Please speak to your midwife, GP, obstetrician or maternity team before beginning or continuing Bump Strong Fitness if you:

• have a heart, lung, kidney or thyroid condition
• have high or unstable blood pressure or have been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia
• have type 1 diabetes, particularly if it is not well controlled
• have anaemia
• have been told you have placenta praevia or a low-lying placenta
• have cervical weakness or have been told you are at risk of premature labour
• have a history of recurrent miscarriage or premature labour
• have concerns about your baby’s growth or have been told your baby is small for gestational age
• are carrying a multiple pregnancy with complications
• have significant pelvic, back or pelvic-floor symptoms
• have another medical condition or pregnancy complication that may affect your ability to exercise safely

Your maternity team can advise you on whether exercise is appropriate and whether you require any modifications, supervision or additional monitoring.

When exercise may not be appropriate

Do not begin or continue a Bump Strong Fitness workout if you have been advised by your maternity or obstetric team not to exercise.

You should also pause planned exercise and seek advice if you are experiencing:

• vaginal bleeding
• reduced or changed movements from your baby once movements are established
• signs or symptoms of premature labour
• leaking of fluid that may be your waters
• a significant pregnancy complication for which you are currently receiving care

Follow the advice of your maternity team regarding when and how it is appropriate to return to exercise.

Warning signs to stop exercising

Listen to your body throughout every session.

Stop exercising and contact your midwife or maternity unit for advice if you experience:

• vaginal bleeding
• leaking fluid from the vagina
• regular or painful contractions
• chest pain
• severe or unusual shortness of breath
• dizziness, faintness or fainting
• a severe or persistent headache
• calf pain, swelling or redness
• significant abdominal or pelvic pain
• unusual muscle weakness or difficulty walking
• reduced or changed movements from your baby once movements are established
• anything else that makes you feel significantly unwell

Seek urgent medical attention if your symptoms are severe, such as chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, collapse or heavy bleeding.

If a particular movement causes pain or does not feel right, stop and choose an alternative. Persistent pelvic-girdle, back or pelvic-floor symptoms should be discussed with your midwife, GP or a pelvic-health physiotherapist.

Please return to this information whenever your health changes or you receive new advice from your maternity team.

There will be days when modifying a workout - or resting completely - is the strongest choice you can make.