low placenta and exercise...

[Geraldine7]

2nd pregnancy and 2nd low placenta (moved up to rightful place by 28 weeks last time). Can anyone tell me what advice they were given re. exercise if your placenta is low?

I've not been told anything either time by doctors, midwives etc.., however, my mother in law (who was a midwife) says I should be taking it really easy and not doing so much as putting the washing out! Obviously, I don't want to put the baby in any risk at all but haven't seen any info on this online either and am keen to stay exercising and healthy throughout my pregnancy. 1st pregnancy I just walked and swam but the swimming gave me dodgy knees (can't win).

I'd be really interested to hear what others have been advised - or not!...

Don't have any experience, but wondered what stroke you were doing. I have dodgy knees and can't do breast stroke. Front crawl works a treat though I had to have lessons as I had no idea how to do it properly . Is there a local gym? I have a meeting at mine tomorrow to discuss ante natal exercising with a specialist.

I was not told anything and went swimming, did pregnancy yoga and aquanatal till 36 weeks when the consultant who booked my section told me to stop everything. As it happened I went in at 37 weeks for bedrest. The consultant did look a little surprised that I had been doing these things but I had no problems and did not bleed.
I have no idea whether I should have been doing any exercise but nothing happened as a result!

I am glad I kept up with the yoga at least; I think it helped me recover from the section more quickly, handle stairs etc.

I would maybe ring your consultant for advice?

i'd avoid it if possible.

i had pp and doctors didn't really give me much information either, but wish i'd been a little more careful.

Had placenta praevia with DD. I wasn't given any advice at all about exercising or not. I work in catering so was always running about and cycling everywhere as normal activities not exercise per se. Worked until 8 days before my elcs (placenta didn't move) at 38 weeks though to be fair my bump was little.

However my sister living in the US freaked out a bit saying her friend with the same condition was practically put on bed rest with PP (typical overreaction from medical insurance companies probably). Until that point it didn't really cross my mind as I was healthy in every other way.

It might be a change of times thing with your mil's advice. I would speak to your midwife about it and see what she says this time.

I had a low lying placenta and carried on swimming as was not told any different. Then had a bleed at 29 weeks and told to take it easy. PP continued and ended up in hospital at 31 weeks, so take it easy

You may be one of the 80% who move, but no point in overdoing it. Oh and i found front crawl fine (use a leg float if you want to make it easier)

All the best

Thanks everyone. Will take it easy and also ask for more info when I go for my next check up. And, yes, breaststroke appears to be the culprit for iffy knees so changed to crawl. Strange they don't give more info when they tell you about the low placenta...