If you’re a rider, then you might be unsure whether it is safe to keep riding while pregnant. The answer depends on several factors.
Before beginning any ride, it’s essential to consult your doctor first. He or she can give the go-ahead and give you the green light for riding.
Safety Tips
When pregnant, it’s essential to prioritize your health and wellbeing. That is why consulting with a doctor before making any major decisions is recommended.
It is wise to inquire about any potential risks associated with horse riding. For instance, horses can harbor bacteria that could cause toxoplasmosis, a disease which poses risks both to your unborn baby and you as the rider.
Furthermore, wearing a helmet while riding a horse during pregnancy is highly recommended to reduce the risk of head injuries that could have serious outcomes if you fall.
Another potential drawback of horseback riding is that it puts undue strain on your back and abdominal muscles. Therefore, if you experience any back or abdominal discomfort, it would be best to abstain from this activity.
Benefits
Horse riding is a healthy and enjoyable activity that pregnant women can enjoy. Not only does it build extra strength to carry the baby’s weight, but it also reduces back pain from carrying too much.
However, pregnant women should still avoid strenuous horse riding activities such as jumping or racing. These involve sudden turns and twisting which could be hazardous for both mother and unborn child.
Pregnant women are generally considered the safest time to ride a horse, since the fetus is securely embedded in its bony pelvic girdle. You should take extra precautions for yourself and your baby’s protection by wearing a helmet, stirrups and boots.
At 12 weeks pregnant, the fetus has repositioned itself above the pelvic girdle and is no longer protected by it. This poses a serious risk if a woman is kicked or thrown off her horse. Therefore, if you plan on riding during your pregnancy, make sure you consult your doctor beforehand.
Safety Concerns
Horseback riding can be an exhilarating activity, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women due to several safety risks associated with this sport.
The primary danger of horseback riding during pregnancy is falling off, which can be hazardous for both you and your baby. That is why The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against it during pregnancy.
That is why it’s always recommended that you wear a helmet while riding. Not only does this protect your baby inside the bony pelvic girdle, but a fall without protection can result in serious injuries which may necessitate general anesthesia or hospitalization.
The second issue to consider is the horse’s quick, jolting motion can put pressure on your abdomen, increasing the risk of placental abruption – a leading cause of miscarriage. For this reason, experienced riders are advised against riding while pregnant.
Conclusions
Riding a horse has numerous advantages for pregnant women, and some research suggests it helps maintain overall wellbeing – particularly with weight loss. Some women even report experiencing reduced stress, fatigue and varicose veins while on their ride.
However, horse riding while pregnant carries risks. Experienced horse owners and riders understand the potential hazards that can come with working with large animals such as horses, so this should be taken into consideration by any equestrian during their pregnancy.
Chris is a passionate learner and writer. When he’s not working on his blog or learning something new, he’s a full-time systems administrator and father of two beautiful girls. Chris loves spending time with his family, reading, writing, and playing hockey.