Advanced Conditioning for Female Rugby Players

Physical Activity during Pregnancy

The benefits of physical activity during pregnancy for both the mother and unborn foetus are well established (Mottola et al., 2018). Useful tools have been developed to assist pregnant individuals, and teams supporting them, to clinically reason suitability and safety of exercise and physical activity during pregnancy. The Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (CSEP, 2025a) is a checklist that informs an individual whether they need to discuss any medical aspects of pregnancy prior to resuming activity or whether they can confidently proceed.

The Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (CSEP)

The 2019 Canadian Guidelines for physical activity throughout pregnancy (Mottola et al., 2018) specified a series of absolute and relative contraindications to physical activity during pregnancy see table below:

Contraindications to Physical Activity during Pregnancy

All pregnant women can participate in physical activity throughout pregnancy with the exception of those who have contraindications (listed below). Women with absolute contraindications may continue with usual activities of daily living but should not participate in more strenuous activities. Women with relative contraindication should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity with their obstetric care provider prior to participation
Absolute contraindications:	Relative contraindications:
Ruptured membranes Premature labour Unexplained persistent vaginal bleeding Placenta previa after 28 weeks gestation Preeclampsia Incompetent cervix Intrauterine growth restriction High-order multiple pregnancy (e.g. triplets) Uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes Uncontrolled hypertension Uncontrolled thyroid disease Other serious cardiovascular, respiratory or systemic disorder	Recurrent pregnancy loss Gestational hypertension A history of spontaneous preterm birth Mild/moderate cardiovascular or respiratory disease Symptomatic anemia Malnutrition Eating disorder Twin pregnancy after the 28th week Other significant medical conditions

However, as research evolves, some of these factors are less considered as contraindications, e.g., pregnancy loss or twin pregnancy. For conditions such as gestational hypertension, physical activity is likely to be a necessary part of its management. However, consultation with an obstetric health provider is recommended if there are any queries or concerns about whether factors presenting should restrict or limit an individual’s activity.

World Rugby supports moderate to low-impact exercise during pregnancy. However, Rugby is not recommended during pregnancy due to the potential risk of injury to both the mother and the unborn child. Evidence shows that blunt abdominal trauma does pose a risk of placental abruption, preterm labour and uterine rupture (Williams et al., 1990). World Rugby Player Welfare Guidelines for exercise during pregnancy can be found here:

World Rugby Player Welfare Guidelines for exercise during pregnancy

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