Many people believe that climbing stairs during pregnancy is risky. However, it is not true at all. Climbing stairs is not harmful if you have a healthy pregnancy including for women who conceived through IVF. You just need to take certain precautions while climbing the stairs during pregnancy.
 

Safety Precautions While Climbing Stairs
 

Climbing stairs is not harmful to pregnancy but tumbling down the stairs can cause irreversible harm to you and the baby. Therefore, be extremely careful while climbing stairs during pregnancy.
 

• Climb the stairs slowly
• Avoid rushing up and down the stairs
• Use the handrail or wall while climbing the stairs
• Avoid carrying heavy bags and items while climbing up the stairs
• Avoid wearing overflowing clothes such as long gowns or sarees while climbing the stairs as you may end up tripping on your clothes
• Watch out for slippery stairs
• Avoid climbing stairs that are dark and have less lighting
• Hold on to your partner or someone else if you feel dizzy while climbing the stairs
• If you are climbing stairs in a public area like a footbridge or subway, always climb through the sides of the stairs
• Avoid crowded stairs where people are rushing up and down in a hurry
   

When to Avoid Stairs

Climbing stairs is a good exercise for pregnant women. However, in some cases, you should avoid climbing stairs.
 

• If you have pregnancy-induced back pain, climbing stairs can increase your pain.
• If you have swollen feet, climbing stairs can put pressure on your feet.
• Stop climbing stairs if you start feeling breathless.
• If your increased belly has created some balance issues, then avoid stairs as you may trip and fall due to imbalance.
• If you experience bleeding and cramping, then don't climb stairs.
• Avoid stairs if you have a low placenta.
• Do not climb stairs if you are carrying multiples.
• No stairs if you have low blood pressure as you may faint.
• If your doctor has advised bed rest, then avoid stairs.

Climbing stairs is usually beneficial during pregnancy. It is a good exercise that reduces the chances of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. However, preferably avoid stairs during the third trimester as the chances of losing balance and tripping on the stairs are higher due to your overgrown belly. Also, avoid it if you have a high-risk pregnancy and your doctor has advised you not to climb stairs.