After a long discussion with my wife concerning pregnancy and sports, I asked her to write this post for me. I though that it would come in handy to those who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant and who are currently engaging in sporting activities.
Since I am not a woman I thought it would be fitting that a woman should write this:
Pregnancy and sports.
My Wife 
If you are reading this then you probably are wondering if it is safe to play sports while pregnant. Many experts agree that it is safe to play sports and exercise while pregnant. Staying active during pregnancy can help to reduce the risk of contacting gestational diabetes, help to keep your weight under control, make it easier to lose the “baby weight” post birth, and to help decrease lower back pain. After your second or third trimester you may want to avoid high impact sports such as volleyball, softball, football, skiing, horseback riding all high altitude sports such as skydiving or mountain climbing etc. continuing these sports can potentially be dangerous to you and your baby.
You may continue to exercise regularly during your pregnancy as long as you are careful. If your not sure which exercise you are able to do then try some of the following:
- walking
- jogging
- swimming
- cycling (on a stationary bike)
- low-impact aerobic exercise classes.
- exercise in water (aquaerobics)
- yoga or pilates – tell your instructor that you are pregnant before the class pregnancy exercise classes.
All women who are pregnant without complications should be encouraged to participate in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises as part of a healthy lifestyle during their pregnancy.
No matter what sports or exercises you decide to do make sure you stay very well hydrated, overheating can possibly lead to birth defects. Avoid any sports or exercise regimen where you might potentially be at risk for falling or getting hit in your abdomen, and where you will have to lay on your back for prolonged periods of time, the weight of the baby can slow the return of blood to the heart.
If you have injured yourself during any sporting event or while exercising make sure you see your doctor right away. If you experience any of these symptoms contact your doctor immediately:
- vaginal bleeding
- shortness of breath
- dizziness or feeling faint
- headache
- chest pain
- muscle weakness
- calf pain or swelling (which could indicate a blood clot)
- preterm labor
- decreased fetal movement
- fluid leaking from the vagina
No one knows your body as well as you so if you feel you can do more than is recommend then go ahead but be cautious, you do not want to do anything to harm your baby or yourself. Always remember to talk to your doctor and discuss with them what is the best and safest activities for you, no 2 women are alike, it is always best to have a second opinion. So good luck out there, have fun and most importantly be safe.