Conditions / Life stage
Pregnancy
Physical activity is recommended throughout an uncomplicated pregnancy. Screening uses the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy, and there are absolute contraindications a trainer must not train through.
Prescribe
- At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week over at least three days
- Mix aerobic and resistance work rather than aerobic alone
- Daily pelvic floor muscle training to reduce urinary incontinence risk
- Use the talk test to hold moderate intensity
- Screen with the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy and get clearance
Avoid, and why
- Supine positions if they cause discomfort, dizziness or nausea
- Anything with a fall or abdominal contact risk
- Training in excessive heat, and training while dehydrated
- Continuing through any warning sign - bleeding, fluid loss, chest pain, calf pain
- Training a client with an absolute contraindication without medical clearance
How the generator handles this
| Max exercise complexity | 2 |
|---|
| Patterns excluded | None |
|---|
| Balance work added | No |
|---|
| Clearance required first | Yes |
|---|
Sources
- Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (2021). Get Active Questionnaire.
Source
The current Canadian pre-participation screening tool, replacing the PAR-Q. Any YES answer directs the client to the Reference Document and, where indicated, to a physician or Qualified Exercise Professional before progressing.
- CSEP and SOGC (Mottola et al., BJSM) (2019). 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy.
Source
At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week across at least three days, daily activity encouraged. Add pelvic floor muscle training daily to reduce urinary incontinence risk. Move off the supine position if it causes discomfort.