If you like to ski you might not want to give it up while you’re pregnant, but aside from the obvious risks, is there anything that would prevent you from going?
It’s good to stay active, healthy and happy while you’re pregnant, and skiing definitely qualifies for all of those things, but it also involves an element of danger, and for that reason it’s not something you should opt for during your pregnancy.
The first reason why it’s not a good idea is you stand the chance of running into something and badly hurting yourself, and possibly dying. Sure, it’s not very likely but it does happen, just remember Sonny Bono. Second, you don’t have to run into anything in order to hurt yourself or your baby, just a fall at high speeds can cause damage, including causing a miscarriage, or creating complications that might not arise until later in the pregnancy or delivery.
Can I Ski While Pregnant? Answer: Not Recommended
It might be fun to ski, but you’ll have to wait until next winter. Unless you’re a ski pro, there’s just too much of a chance that you could take a bad fall, or hit a patch of ice, or put a pole in the wrong spot. Why take a chance like that voluntarily. You don’t have to be paranoid while you’re pregnant, but you shouldn’t invite a dangerous situation into the equation, even if you’ve been deemed to have a normal pregnancy.
Skiing Alternatives
If you enjoy the thrill of skiing, and you want to choose an activity that can mimic the rush you get from gliding down the slopes, you could try cross country skiing. While this might not have the same endorphin rush, it still allows you to put on roughly the same gear and get out with nature and breath in the crisp cold air. Every now and then you’ll have to trudge up a small hill and you get a little bit of a thrill coming down the other side. It might only last a few seconds, but it’s still fun. Plus it’s a great cardiovascular workout, and it’s much easier to control your activity level. When you get tired, you just stop.
It can be hard to stay active and fit during the winter months, but you don’t want to take the alternative approach of not being active and using the cold weather as an excuse to not do anything.
Out in the Elements
If you do choose to get out and get active in the wintry weather, just be sure to dress appropriately. You’ll want to wear layers, and make sure that your midsection is properly covered, especially if there is a lot of wind. Be sure to drink a good amount of water during your outdoor activity as well, because you can still get dehydrated rather quickly. Limit your exposure to extremely cold temperatures to about 20 minutes, and always listen to your body. If it’s telling you to go inside, then go inside. This is not a time to ignore what your body is telling you.
Staying Fit Indoors
You can also just avoid the outdoors altogether by doing a fitness routine inside. You can do squats, lunges, jog in place, and yoga. If you combine these all into a circuit program for about 20 minutes, alternating in one minute intervals of resting and exercising, you’ll have no trouble staying in shape as your shape changes. You can still go outside for a walk daily, to get some fresh air and move around a bit.
This is a time for you to love your body, eat healthy foods, and soak in the connection you’re feeling with your baby. While you might be tempted to do exciting things like ski, or keep the same lifestyle you had before you were pregnant, you have to think of what’s best for your baby above all else. This does involve making sacrifices, but if you trade something lower for something higher on the importance scale, is it really a sacrifice?
If you’re having trouble giving it up, plan a ski weekend for after you’re done breastfeeding, and use it as a way to celebrate a successful and healthy pregnancy.
