Prescribing physical activity to prevent and manage gestational diabetes

Table 1 Contraindications to physical activity during pregnancy and warning signs for termination

Contraindications to exercise[19]	Significant cardiopulmonary disease, restrictive lung disease, incompetent cervix/cerclage, multiple gestation at risk for premature labor, persistent second- or third-trimester bleeding, placenta previa after 26 wk of gestation, premature labor during the current pregnancy, ruptured membranes, and preeclampsia/pregnancy-induced hypertension
Warning signs to terminate or avoid exercise	Vaginal bleeding, dyspnea prior to exertion, dizziness, headache, chest pain, muscle weakness, calf pain or swelling, preterm labor, decreased fetal movement, or amniotic fluid leakage