What Is the Exercise Pulse Rate That a Pregnant Woman Can't Exceed?

It is typically advised that pregnant women not allow their heart rates to exceed 140 beats per minute because doing so may make it difficult for a woman’s body to get enough oxygen to the fetus. Though this is the official recommendation made by the American Pregnancy Association, it’s important to keep track of your own exertion level while exercising to ensure you’re not overdoing it.

  1. Normally Elevated Heart Rate

    • When you’re pregnant, your heart rate is faster than normal as a baseline. This occurs because you have a higher blood volume to accommodate your growing baby. Your resting heart rate will be 10 to 20 beats per minute faster than it would be normally, according to "The Merck Manual." Exercising also increases your heart rate at a more rapid rate than it would if you weren’t pregnant.

    The Talk Test

    • Since your heart rate is likely to be elevated anyway when you’re pregnant, even if you’re not exercising, a much more accurate way to monitor your exertion level is to perform the talk test. This means evaluate whether you can talk without panting for breath while working out. If you can’t carry on a conversation, you’re working too hard. Dial back the intensity until you can, suggests BabyCenter.com.

    For Those Who Are Very Physically Active

    • Women who exercised regularly prior to pregnancy can likely keep up their old routine but it’s vital to consult with a physician first to rule out a high-risk pregnancy. Exercise can cause complications for women with high-risk pregnancies, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

    Recommended Fitness Options

    • To keep your heart rate within acceptable levels, it’s advisable to opt for certain exercises over others. Exercises like walking, prenatal yoga and swimming are excellent options. Always listen to your body when exercising and pay heed to signs that you may be exerting yourself too much. Take breaks and drink plenty of water, suggests the American Pregnancy Association. Also, don’t exercise when it’s hot out and stick to performing workouts on flat, even ground to reduce the risk of falls.