Skating During Pregnancy – Is it Safe to Do?

Typically, healthcare providers find that skating might be a great activity to relax your body and mind during pregnancy. The best phase to practice this could be the first trimester—as your body physiology doesn’t change too quickly, leading to a bump or increased weight. This maintains control and coordination while minimizing the chances of falls or mishappenings. Moreover, a safe monitoring program created by a professional is much needed to prepare you for vigorous exercises in this phase [2]. Furthermore, it’s always good to consult your doctor before adding skating to your exercise routine to eliminate complications.

Precautions to Take While Skating During Pregnancy

Even though you may skate while you’re pregnant, it’s crucial to know some precautions before tying up your laces. Sports and exercises involving jerky and bouncy movements increase the risk of falling, leading to fetal complications; hence, it’s better to perform them under medical guidance [2]. Also, below are some general precautions you can go through to stay safe during skating.

1. Ensure you wear comfortable clothes that cover your belly and chest. The right clothes won’t fall or ride up while you skate.
2. Find a safe place to skate. Avoid overcrowded zones.
3. Keep yourself hydrated, especially during summer. Drink plenty of water before and after skating. Also, consume a healthy diet to get energy and avoid nutritional deficiency. A balanced diet loaded with essential nutrients keeps you and your baby healthy [3].
4. Take short breaks in between. Refrain from overdoing. Besides, immediately stop if you feel drowsy or unsteady.
5. Get access to quick and easy assistance while skating. Take someone with you to the skating zone so you can have instant support when needed. Also, keep the first aid box ready, having the basic medications and prerequisites.

So practicing skating with proper precautions and medical surveillance, without stressing your body may be a great workout.

Tips to Help You Skate While Pregnant

Typically, the first trimester of pregnancy might be considered a safe period to be involved in sports like skating. During this period, the baby bump doesn’t come your way, and your weight doesn’t increase rapidly. Further, there are fewer chances for high risks. Nevertheless, it’s best to consult your doctor whether you can start with it or perform it during the second or third trimester. Additionally, here are a few tips to help you prepare for safe skating.

Carry a Well-Organized gear

Pack your skating bag with protective essentials, including elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, a helmet, etc. Ensure you wear each piece correctly to stay safe while skating.

Use proper shoes and Comfortable clothing

While skating, you may want extra supportive shoes that ensure balance and control. A pair of shoes with sufficient cushioning and breathability keeps your feet comfortable throughout the session. Plus, get the right fitted shoes, neither too tight nor too loose.

Find a Smooth Surface

It’s better to skate on a clear and smooth path rather than an uneven surface. This reduces the risk of falls while giving you the freedom for effortless and safe skating.

Are There Any Side Effects of Skating During Pregnancy?

Although skating may seem like a safe workout during pregnancy, there are various side effects associated with it. As a mother, you must consider them while planning for skating. Additionally, talk to your healthcare provider to know if you are eligible to skate.

Here are some common skating side effects-

Sudden Falls

During pregnancy, your body posture changes, hindering your balance and coordination during skating. This can lead to traumatic events, especially injuries and falls. You may get sprains and strains or minor tears.

Pregnancy complications

Skating may cause pregnancy complications like preterm labor (early labor) or placenta abruption. According to NCBI research [4], high-intensity sports may increase the risk of preterm labor. Uterine contractions while skating might be a cause of preterm labor, meaning the baby is born before 33 weeks. As per the NCBI study, preterm labor may lead to motor deficits, cognitive instability, cerebral palsy, etc [5]. In placenta abruption, the placenta detaches from the uterus, causing heavy bleeding. The NCBI study suggests that it may cause complications, including premature delivery, hemorrhage, cardiac problems, etc. [6].

Collisions

Injuries are common when skating in crowded places. So avoid busy skating in congested zones.

Who Should Not Consider Skating During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women with health issues, such as respiratory complications, cardiac problems, joint and muscle pain, etc., must avoid skating. Plus, if you have conditions, including dizziness, vomiting, and nausea, it’s good to refrain from skating. Further, you must talk to your doctor first to minimize the complication risks.

Skating during pregnancy might be one of the best exercises to keep your body fit. It can improve your stamina, flexibility, and blood circulation; nevertheless, you must follow your doctor’s advice before lacing up your skating shoes. Additionally, you can consider the associated precautions, side effects, and tips to ensure a safe experience.

FAQ’s

1. Can I Do All Sorts Of Skating During Pregnancy?

There are different forms of skating, from roller skating to ice skating. No matter which skating type tempts you, it’s good to seek professional help before getting on the field.

2. Is It Safe To Skate After Pregnancy?

You may want to add skating to your postpartum recovery routine. As every pregnancy is different, so is the post-delivery recovery. Hence, ask your doctor to know if your body is ready for it.

3. Which Sports Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?

You must avoid activities that involve jerky and jarring movements, jumping, and high speed during pregnancy. Stay away from high-intensity sports like water skiing, horse riding, etc.

References:-

1. Low-Intensity Exercise and Pregnancy Outcomes: An Examination in the Nurses’ Health Study II
   [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8524727/]
2. Exercise During the Childbearing Year
   [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595006/#:~:text=However%2C%20the%20risk,their%20pregnant%20clients.]
3. Diet in pregnancy—more than food
   [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5682869/]
4. Sports Obstetrics: Implications of Pregnancy in Elite Sportswomen, a Narrative Review
   [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9456821/]
5. Preterm Labor
   [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536939/#:~:text=Infant%20Complications,and%20hearing%20losses]
6. Placental Abruption
   [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482335/#:~:text=Go%20to%3A-,Complications,-Severe%20hemorrhage]