Mercy's Dr. Carolyn Cokes Discusses: Okay to Play Sports When Pregnant?

Carolyn Cokes, M.D., MPH, is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Metropolitan OB-GYN group, a Baltimore based OB-GYN practice affiliated with Mercy. In responding to a media query about sports one can safely play while pregnant, Dr. Cokes offered these remarks:

For physical activity in general in pregnancy we recommend that whatever you were doing prior to the pregnancy you can continue, within reason. Anything that involves potential abdominal trauma though, we warn against, so no kick boxing, karate, or most sports that involve balls.

Walking or running are both encouraged, you just have to listen to your body (e.g. if it hurts, don't do it). Yoga is a nice way to stay active throughout pregnancy and there are a lot of levels from beginner to advanced, just use modifications where needed, limit twisting poses and skip inversions.

Dancing or dance classes are also a good option. Swimming is one of my favorite sports for pregnant women, or even water based aerobics.

We recommend at least 30 min of activity, on 5 days of the week for pregnant women. And of course keeping well hydrated throughout pregnancy is most important. Old guidelines, of keeping heartrate below a certain number, or that bedrest is recommended for most pregnant women are NOT founded in any evidence base.  And if they have any questions about a particular sport they can ask their obstetrician.

-- Carolyn Cokes, M.D., MPH

Dr. Cokes completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, NY. She is dedicated to meeting the gynecologic health needs of women of all ages, from adolescence and childbearing years, to menopause and beyond. Dr. Cokes sees patients in the Family Childbirth and Children’s Center at Mercy Medical Center.