If you like to bowl it’s a great form of exercise and it even enhances your hand eye coordination. But can you still engage in this type of activity even if you’re pregnant? And if so, how long can you keep playing the game before it gets too dangerous for the baby inside you?
If you have always enjoyed bowling, it would be quite hard to stop the activity just because you’re pregnant. You will miss the excitement of throwing a the ball down the lane and the sound of falling pins as you make a strike. But still, you should think about the safety of your baby first and foremost.
Yes, you can bowl even while you’re pregnant as bowling is considered to be a safe sport even for pregnant mothers. In fact, the American Medical Association even encourages low impact and non-contact types of sports throughout pregnancy.
Can I Bowl While Pregnant? Answer: Yes.
If you have always been actively bowling before you got pregnant, then there’s no reason for you to quit playing the game, especially if your pregnancy is normal. Bowling is actually a good form of exercise and it will be good for you and your unborn baby as well.
The Issue with Pregnant Women Playing Bowling
Balance is very important in bowling and this is something that pregnant women may not be particularly good at especially during the third trimester. When the tummy area gets too big, it becomes very hard to balance and you might fall and hurt yourself and your baby.
Moreover, as your pregnancy progresses, you will need to rely on your back and spinal cord strength to support you and the additional weight of your baby. And as bowling will require you to bend while throwing the ball, it may not be very good for your condition.
Note that the center of gravity changes inside your body as your belly gets really big. This not only makes balancing difficult but it also puts pressure on your upper body. So if you are not careful, you could cause a serious back injury by playing sports without using caution.
Why You Should Get a Clearance from Your Doctor
If you’re going to engage in any type of sports activity, you should make it a point that you consult your doctor first. As not all pregnancies are the same, you might have a case that needs special attention. Your doctor will explain to you the risks involved in engaging into a particular type of sport during pregnancy. Your particular condition will also be checked and evaluated to come up with the proper recommendations that are suitable to your situation.
If there are additional tests that should be done, you should allow yourself to be tested as this will be good for your baby too. And if your doctor declares that you are having a normal pregnancy, then you will be given a clearance to play your favorite sport. Just make sure that you follow all your doctor’s recommendations and reminders so as to keep both you and your baby safe during your pregnancy.
Helpful Reminders for Pregnant Women Who Love Bowling
All throughout your pregnancy, you should make it a point that you always have a bottle of water with you. Hydration is very important to pregnant women and engaging in sports will also make you sweat and lose body fluids more quickly.
When bowling, especially in the third trimester, try using light bowling balls. This will ensure that you won’t be straining your back muscles too much as you throw the ball down the lane. You should also bend at your knees as you throw a ball, and keep your back straight even as you release the ball.
Don’t ever try to play through any pain when you start feeling sore and uncomfortable. During pregnancy, you should always listen to your body as it will give you warning signs when there are impending dangers for you and your baby.
The Joy of Bowling and the Joy of Giving Birth to a Healthy Baby
As long as you are not declared to have a high risk pregnancy, you can keep enjoying your favorite sports. Just take all the necessary precautions when playing this game, and your baby will surely share the joy that you feel when you bowl.
