There’s no doubt about it : Exercise offers plenty of benefits to pregnant women, but bear in mind that some moves can be risky during pregnancy. Experts warn that if you’re unsure about which moves are safe and which ones aren’t, it’s best to have a chat with your doctor. It’s generally a good idea to stay away from exercises or activities that involve a lot of up and downward such as lifting and jarring movement, as well as those that put you at risk for falling down.

High-impact sports like tennis, squash and horse riding should also be avoided. Instead, try walking, yoga, swimming and stretching exercises. Try to avoid running because the chances of falling while running are higher. In addition, pounding the pavement or treadmill can lead to dehydration and abdominal tension.

As a rule of thumb, try limiting your aerobic exercises to your first trimester because after that, your center of gravity can shift, making it difficult to keep your balance. One risky exercise position to avoid is lying on your back.

According to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, lying on your back after the fourth month of pregnancy can increase the risk of compression of the vena cava – the vein that carries blood devoid of oxygen, which in turn can compromise the flow of oxygen to the uterus.