Quick answer: ACOG advises avoiding activities that raise your risk of injury, such as contact sports, anything with a fall risk, skydiving, scuba diving, hot yoga and hot Pilates.

What ACOG says

ACOG's patient FAQ: "While pregnant, avoid activities that put you at increased risk of injury, such as the following:"

• "Contact sports and sports that put you at risk of getting hit in the abdomen, including ice hockey, boxing, soccer, and basketball"

• "Skydiving"

• "Activities that may result in a fall, such as downhill snow skiing, water skiing, surfing, off-road cycling, gymnastics, and horseback riding"

• "'Hot yoga' or 'hot Pilates,' which may cause you to become overheated"

• "Scuba diving"

• "Activities performed above 6,000 feet (if you do not already live at a high altitude)"

It also says: "Avoid jerky, bouncy, or high-impact motions that can increase your risk of being hurt."

The same FAQ names walking, swimming, stationary bicycling, and modified yoga and Pilates as the safest choices.

Source: ACOG: Exercise During Pregnancy

Committee Opinion 804 lists resistance exercise with weights or elastic bands, stretching and dancing as safe and beneficial.

Source: ACOG Committee Opinion 804

Questions about your own pregnancy, birth or recovery belong with your doctor or primary healthcare provider.

Related articles

• Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?

• Exercising in heat, hydration and altitude during pregnancy

• Can I lie on my back or do core work while pregnant?

• When should I stop exercising and contact my provider?

MOMDAY is not a healthcare provider. This article shares general information from public health sources such as ACOG and is educational only, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk with your doctor or primary healthcare provider about what is right for you, and never delay seeking care because of something you read here. If you think you have an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.