Exercise is a vital part of maintaining a healthy pregnancy for the majority of women, but in certain circumstances, it could be dangerous. If you are suffering from placenta previa, the risks of exercise can outweigh the benefits, depending on the severity of the problem. Before attempting any type of exercise, consult your doctor.

The Basics

The placenta is attached to the inside of the uterus — the lowest part of the womb — and connects to the fetus through the umbilical cord. It is a transfer point for the blood of the fetus and your blood, which provides nutrients and oxygen to your unborn child. The fetal blood transfers waste to your blood, although the two blood supplies do not mix. In addition to supplying nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, the placenta produces hormones directly related to pregnancy.

Placenta Previa

In the first stages of pregnancy, it is common for the placenta to be located in the lower part of the uterus — what’s referred to as a low-lying placenta. During the course of the pregnancy, the placenta should move up to the upper part of the uterus so it is not blocking the cervix, the opening through which the baby will pass during birth. In a case of placenta previa, the placenta stays in the lower part of the uterus, potentially blocking the opening. Three different forms of placenta previa can occur: marginal, partial and complete. In a marginal placenta previa, the opening is not blocked, but the placenta is still against the cervix. A partial placenta previa means only a portion of the opening is blocked, while a complete placenta previa means the entire opening is blocked.

Exercise

Exercise is not recommended for women who have placenta previa, even during the early stages of pregnancy. Even if you only have marginal placenta previa, it’s possible that the added pressure on the uterus during exercise could harm the placenta. If the placenta is damaged, bleeding can occur, which can be potentially fatal to both the fetus and mother. However, if you were diagnosed with placenta previa before 20 weeks, it’s possible that the placenta will move toward the top of the uterus, according to certified doula, or midwife, Heather Johnson. To verify this, you will need to consult your doctor for an ultrasound. Do not attempt any sort of exercise without consulting your doctor first.

Considerations

Bed rest is often recommended for women diagnosed with placenta previa, along with a reduction in activity. Even if you are engaged in light activity, the placenta still might be damaged. In addition to refraining from exercise, it is also advisable to refrain from sexual intercourse and avoid inserting anything into your vagina, including tampons. If any type of bleeding does occur during your pregnancy, however light, seek medical attention as soon as possible.