Pregnant women tend to engage in different sports and physical activities. But can you skate while pregnant?
While many sports may be allowed during pregnancy, skating isn’t safe. Skating is a high-intensity sport that involves the whole body, so it isn’t a great idea to skate while pregnant, even for experienced skaters.
However, there are a few exceptions. You can participate in roller skating when you’ve just stepped into your pregnancy journey. It means that if you’re in the first trimester when neither your weight skyrocketed nor the baby bump started getting in your way, you can skate as there is no high risk.
6 Tips To Skate While Pregnant
Please make sure to follow the following six tips when you head to the nearest skating rink:
1. Wear Protective Gear
If your healthcare provider has allowed you to ice skate or roller skate, ensure you’re geared up. The worst part of skating while pregnant can be a fetal injury that you didn’t calculate.
While preparing for the skating rink, pack your bags with elbow pads, wrist guards, knee pads, and a helmet. Make sure to wear every piece of protective gear so that you don’t end up twitching an arm, scraping a knee, or, worst, falling down on the belly.
2. Use Properly Fitting Roller Skating Shoes
Apart from the protective gear, the most crucial is the choice of your skating shoes. They can provide you with the required support while skating during your first or second trimester.
Choosing shoes with proper cushioning and breathability will help you maintain your posture while you skate. Additionally, you may be experiencing swollen feet due to a progressed pregnancy, so make sure to get your feet inside a properly fitting pair of shoes.
Too tight: the blood circulation to your feet will be obstructed.
Too loose: your chances of falling down the skateboard increase.
3. Skate On A Smooth Surface
Avoid skating on rough or uneven surfaces, as they can increase the risk of falls. A skating rink that’s not properly paved or has cracks can be dangerous. You may end up stuck in a crack and fall down with a potential risk of a belly fall.
So, choosing a smooth skating surface is a no-brainer. A smooth skating surface allows fluid movements and gives the freedom to pregnant skaters to maneuver their skateboard wherever they want.
4. Skate With A Partner
It’s best to skate with a partner who can help you maintain balance and provide support in case of a fall. Skating with a partner can improve safety, as you can watch out for each other and provide support in case of a fall or accident.
Moreover, your partner can work as the perfect social outlet in the days of spiking pregnancy hormones. You can even enjoy an indoor skating hour with your partner holding your hand if it’s hard to go ice skating.
5. Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after skating to stay hydrated. It is recommended that you drink water before, during, and after skating to maintain optimal hydration levels.
The exact amount of water you need will depend on your body weight, activity level, and other factors, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 8 ounces (240 mL) of water before skating and to drink more if you feel thirsty or if you are sweating heavily.
Even though you have made up your mind for skating during pregnancy, see the list of potential risks and then make the final call for skating while pregnant.
6. Talk To Your Healthcare Provider
Before taking the final decision to skate while pregnant, visit your healthcare provider. They will check the progress of your pregnancy and give you the go-ahead if there are no foreseen complications.
Exercising during pregnancy is enjoyable and has health benefits such as better blood flow to the fetus, more active pregnancy, and fewer mood swings. However, if your healthcare provider sees a chance of pre-term labor or another complication like pre-eclampsia they may not allow you to skate.
The best approach is to listen to your doctor because they are monitoring your pregnancy and fetal health.
Potential Risks Of Skating While Pregnant
Falls
Whether it is roller skating or ice skating, it can increase the risk of falling, which can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy. Skating on roller skates or inline skates can increase the risk of falls and injuries, which can be dangerous for pregnant women.
Additionally, pregnancy can affect your balance and coordination, making it more difficult to maintain control while skating. A fall can lead to trauma to the abdomen, which can cause injury to the developing fetus.
Collisions
Collisions are a potential risk in roller skating, especially in crowded or busy skating rinks or outdoor areas where other skaters may move at different speeds and in different directions.
You can severely injure yourself from a collision, so avoid a busy skating rink at all costs during your pregnancy.
Preterm Labor
High-impact winter sports like ice skating can cause uterine contractions, leading to preterm labor. Preterm labor is labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy and can result in premature birth with its own serious consequences.
The baby can have immature lungs or a feeding problem. Additionally, the mother can also suffer from postpartum hemorrhage or infections, so it is not an ideal choice to skate during the second and third trimesters.
The growing fetus inside your body is already pushing your pelvic bone down, and the pressure you exert during roller skating in that condition can easily lead to preterm labor.
Placental Abruption
Placental abruption is one of the scariest pregnancy complications a pregnant woman can experience while skating. It is a serious complication in which the placenta separates from the uterus before the baby is born.
It can cause heavy bleeding and is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby.
A high-impact physical activity like skating can increase the risk of placental abruption.
Increased Risk of Other Injuries
During pregnancy, the ligaments in your body become more flexible due to hormonal changes, which can increase the risk of sprains or strains. Even a minor injury during pregnancy can have serious consequences for you and the little human growing inside.
While pregnant, your body is prone to balance and coordination issues due to a changed center of gravity (your baby bump). This can cause serious injuries such as a harsh fall and further complications.
Can You Skate While Pregnant: Final Words
Remember that the health and safety of you and your baby should always be your top priority. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms while skating, stop immediately and consult with your healthcare provider.
As honest advice, skating isn’t a safe sport while you’re pregnant. However, it isn’t completely out of the question if you go for protective measures such as properly fitting gear, having a partner, and having enough water intake to stay hydrated for better muscle movements.
Weigh the pros and cons, and then decide for yourself!
Let us know in the comments if you still have any questions left.
Goodbye & Keep Skating Like A Pro With SkatersDen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can you not ride while pregnant?
Thrilling theme park rides like roller coasters, bumper cars, or any attraction with sudden starts, stops, and jerky movements can potentially subject the pregnant woman to undesirable stress and impacts, fostering potential complications. Additionally, activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and skiing may challenge balance and dexterity, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially as the center of gravity shifts throughout pregnancy.
Q: Can you skate while pregnant?
While jumping in moderation is generally considered safe during the early stages of pregnancy, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine whether or not it’s suitable for your specific circumstances. Factors such as your overall level of fitness, any pre-existing health conditions, and the stage of your pregnancy can all play a role in determining if jumping is a safe form of exercise for you.
Q: Can I skate after having a baby?
While postpartum recovery can be a challenging and unique experience for each individual, moderate physical activity can actually benefit your overall health and well-being. As you consider adding skating to your post-baby routine, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure your body is ready for this form of exercise.