Pregnancy can be one of the best times in a woman’s life, as you are carrying your child, a part of yourself. However, there are times when the joy and wonder may wear off and you just feel like a hot, round, sack of potatoes that can’t do a whole lot. (We’ve all been there!)
There are also a number of activities that pregnant women shouldn’t participate in, or at least should limit their activity with, to avoid causing any complications with their pregnancy. To give you a better idea of what activities you should put on pause, here are five activities to avoid while pregnant, and a couple suggestions on how to still have fun without these activities. Make sure to also ask your OB/GYN if you have any questions about activities during your pregnancy.
1. Amusement Park Rides
If you can fit the lap bar over your belly, that doesn’t mean you should. Avoid amusement park rides, water slides and roller coasters. Forceful landings and sudden sharp stops can hurt your baby. Staying away from rides like these might be challenge if you already have other rugrats that may want to go, or friends that invite you out. In that case, you don’t have to avoid the excitement all together. Wait in line with them and chat up until the point they get on the ride. Then you can be the elected picture taker. If taking pictures of their fun doesn’t sound appealing to you, walk around or simply look at the sights; the fresh air and light exercise will be good for both you and your baby.
2. Contact Sports
This may seem like a no-brainer, but some women think they can stay safe while playing. Not only are you at risk for a collision with another player (you can tell them not to tackle you all you want, but sometimes in the heat of the game, it’s easy for someone to forget your extra cargo). Even without tackles, you are still at risk of simply falling during game play, and crashes with the ground are not the best thing for your baby.
3. Hot Tubs And Saunas
There is a warning on most hot tubs that tell you to “avoid when pregnant.” These signs aren’t placed there just to ruin your fun. The extreme heat has been linked to birth defects in babies. If you’re missing the warmth, or want to spend some time with friends in the tub, feel free to dip you’re feet in, just don’t stay in the hot water too long or let the water anywhere near your belly.
4. Bicycling
After your second trimester, you’re at a greater risk of falling. With this loss of balance, riding a bike that you have to keep your balance on is not one of the best ideas. Falling off would seriously hurt your baby. If bicycling is the way you had planned to keep the baby weight off, or you just want to get in some exercise, you might want to look into a stationary bike or recumbent tricycle. The reclined style of the recumbent will allow for room for your new belly, and the three-wheel design will ensure that you won’t tip over and you can still get your exercise!
5. Running
If you weren’t a runner before, don’t start now. As with biking, if you did run regularly before your pregnancy, run in moderation for the first two trimesters. After that, run with caution. It may be more beneficial to speed walk than to run because you know you’re at less of a risk to fall when walking than running. Also, the added weight can hurt your knees if you run on a hard surface.
Not every activity you enjoyed before discovering you’re pregnant has to be discontinued when you get the big news. If you can think of a way you might fall during an activity, don’t take a chance. If you can’t think of a way you may fall, it’s still best to ask an OB/GYN or physician on your next visit. If you live in east Texas, make an appointment with us, and we will be sure to answer any questions you have.