Is rollerskating safe while pregnant?
Roller skating is fun, exciting, and a great way to exercise.
Exercise during pregnancy can improve your sleep patterns, reduce fatigue, ease back and pelvic pain, and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
A study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that pregnant women should exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, five days a week.
While you should avoid some exercises during this period, does this include roller skating?
You might be wondering if roller skating is safe for pregnant women. The answer is yes if you skate carefully.
Pregnant women can still enjoy roller skating during their first trimester before the baby and belly grow. Roller skating is dangerous for babies and pregnant women in the second and third trimesters.
This is just the tip of the iceberg!
This guide will explain why pregnant women shouldn’t skate in their second and third trimesters and how to keep them safe.
Let’s move on!
Is Roller Skating Safe While Pregnant?
Roller skating is an excellent way to get your exercise done while pregnant. If not done correctly, it can be dangerous and unsafe.
Roller skating is done on roller skates. There is always the risk of falling, regardless of whether you are a professional or amateur.
Roller Skating Risks for Pregnant Women
Here are the main dangers of roller skating while you’re pregnant.
Falling
Roller skating is known for its main danger: falling. This applies to both newbie and experienced skaters. Most people fall after pushing or tripping over an obstacle.
Falling may not be dangerous for pregnant women in the first trimester, especially in the first month. This changes with time as the baby develops!
The baby bump is more visible towards the end of the first and second trimesters. It can be dangerous for you and your baby to fall on your stomach or back during this period.
Your center of gravity may change as your baby grows inside you. Roller skating is a sport that requires balance. You may not be able to do it due to the additional 10-15 pound baby weight.
You may also experience contractions or placenta abruption if you fall during this time. You should avoid this as it could lead to premature birth.
The Risk Of High Impact Aerobics
Doctors recommend that you do a low-impact, enjoyable workout.
A woman with a high-risk pregnancy may experience stress from high-impact workouts such as roller skating. High-risk pregnancies with high levels of regular physical activity are more susceptible to premature labor, miscarriages, and other complications.
It’s impossible to predict whether high-risk pregnant women will experience this type of experience while exercising.
Most doctors recommend that you exercise with low-impact activities like water aerobics as a precaution.
Avoiding high-impact sports is best for those who have had miscarriages.
Trauma
Trauma can cause severe complications in pregnancy, regardless of whether it is the first or third trimester.
Mayo Clinic reports that trauma is the leading cause of death for pregnant women and affects 7% of pregnancies.
According to the study, a trauma in pregnancy can cause the placenta to be ripped from the uterine wall.
This could lead to the death of the fetus. Mother and child can die in severe cases, particularly during the third trimester.
Roller skating is dangerous and can cause trauma if you get pushed and fall by other skaters.
Fatigue and Muscle Pain
Roller skating uses all your body muscles, including the core, glutes, and hamstrings. These muscles are crucial in creating energy for roller skating.
Anaerobic respiration causes muscle fatigue and pain after a rollerskating session. This produces lactic acid, which causes muscles to hurt.
Collisions
Roller skating in crowds can lead to collisions. These can happen at your local skate park or on sidewalks, malls, streets, etc.
Avoiding rowdy, aggressive roller skaters is the best way to avoid collisions. Because of the confusion, avoid skating in parks with scooters or other skaters.
Are There Any Exceptions To This Rule?
Pregnant women often want to maintain their sports lives while pregnant. It’s normal to want to keep your lifestyle the same for a while before you make a big change.
Although you might be tempted to use extra padding to skate on the rink, it is best to not attempt roller skating if you are pregnant.
Professional roller skaters often won’t allow pregnant women to use the rink.
How to Stay Safe When Roller Skating While Pregnant
Rolling skating while pregnant can be dangerous if you don’t know how to do it properly. You should also know when to stop skating.
Here are some cool tips to ensure your safety if you decide to skate in the safe zone.
Always Wear Protective Gear
Protective gear protects your body from injury if you collide with another person or object.
Protect your head with a helmet, wrist guards to protect your palms, and elbow pads and knee pads to protect the elbows and knees.
To protect your hips, pelvic bone, and butt, make sure you have a hip pad. The pad absorbs shock from falls on your back.
Only Roller Skate on Smooth and Clean Surfaces
Avoid uneven surfaces such as pebbles, rocks, and cracks.
These obstacles can get in the way of skating and can cause you to lose your balance and end up falling flat on the floor. We must remember that falling is one of our most serious risks when roller skating.
You Can Control Your Speed
Skating fast is fun and exciting! But, It can also be dangerous. You have to ask yourself: What’s the point of roller skating fast if you put your baby in danger?
You should be careful about your speed. Have fun and slow down! This is the essence of roller skates!
Get Enough Water
For pregnant women, staying hydrated is important.
It helps:
- Form amniotic fluid
- Produce extra blood
- Create new tissue
- Carry nutrients
- Enhance digestion
- Get rid of all toxins and wastes
Don’t Over Do it
Roller skating works all body muscles. You can get tired if you do it too often. This is not good for the baby and you. You’ll need to limit how long you roller skate.
It is a good rule of thumb to skate rollerskate at least once per week. You can skate twice per week if you need to. However, it is best to skate for only a couple hours at a time.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
For pregnant women, loose-fitting clothing is the best.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing as they can make you feel uncomfortable.
Roller skating can be very uncomfortable. You can easily get into panic mode or trauma. It can also lead to instability and falls.
Make Sure You Have The Right Fitting Shoes For Roller Skating
Roller skating shoes that are properly fitted can make a big difference, not just when you’re pregnant.
Properly fitting roller skate shoes should not be too tight or too loose.
Roller skates that are too loose can be dangerous and easily fall off your feet when roller skating. This is not something you want to do while roller skating.
However, too tight roller skates can be painful on the feet and cause ankle blisters.
Roller Skate With Others
Roller skating with friends is a great way to have fun. Consider your condition, and it is important to have someone nearby to look after you. You’ll always have someone there to assist you if you fall.
What is The Best Time for Women to Return to Roller Skating After Giving Birth?
Don’t worry if you thought your roller skating days were over because you had a baby.
Many roller skaters return to the rink after having children. It’s sometimes called the “9-month injury” in some derby circles.
You don’t need to wait nine months after your delivery to start skating again.
Women who have had a normal birth can often start skating after four to six weeks of recovery.
It’s important to listen to your body or consult a doctor if you have had a difficult delivery or aren’t sure if you’re ready to go to the rink.
What Can I Do To Accelerate Recovery?
There is no one way to accelerate recovery from birth.
It is important to get as much sleep as possible, drink lots of water, and eat well.
You can start light roller skating when you feel ready.
Talk to a Doctor
You should consult your doctor if you are ready to go skating after and during pregnancy.
Your case will be assessed by a doctor who will guide and assist you throughout the process.
The doctor will advise you when it is best to return to roller skating.
The general consensus is that pregnant women shouldn’t engage in strenuous activities. If you are still unsure, consult your doctor.
Most doctors will tell you to avoid the sport during pregnancy.
However, the opinions of professionals may differ from one person to another and from one case to the next.
Each woman is different and has her own medical history. Every woman’s recovery time will vary.
It’s better not to assume anything than a doctor. Women may also have additional problems such as asthma after giving birth. These women are special and deserve attention.
If you have any other conditions, let your doctor know.
These are the things your doctor will tell you:
- When is it safe to return to roller skating
- How to speed up your recovery
- If you have had any pregnancy complications that could hinder your progress
- How to decide whether you should stick with the basics or go for high-impact skating
