Competing While Pregnant?

Have a big race or event planned during your pregnancy? Or maybe you’ve had a race on the books and just found out you're pregnant? Lately there have been so many women competing while pregnant AND with a pandemic making most events virtual(which provides for modifications where you need them), it may be the perfect time to solidify those “competing while pregnant” plans.

• Serena Williams won her 7th Australian Open while pregnant. 
• Kerry Walsh Jennings won her 3rd gold medal at the Olympics while pregnant. 
• Alysia Montaño ran the 800 meter at the U.S. track and field championships while pregnant.

Though we aren’t all elite athletes, the inspiration from these higher profile women is AMAZING!

So should I still compete while pregnant? Here’s some things to consider as you make the best decision for you:

Adjust Expectations: While pregnant, you are likely not going to perform at the same level pre pregnancy. Think about your goals for the race or event and adjust them as needed.

Modify Where Needed: Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, you may need to make modifications to activities based on your body shape. As your baby gets bigger, your body’s shape and balance change.

Talk With Your Doctor/ Care Provider: Put all those doctor check ups to good use and let your doctor/care provider know what you’re planning to do.

Listen To Your Body: Pregnancy brings a lot of changes and listening to your body is as important as ever. 

In April this year The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) released an updated opinion regarding physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period.  Specifically, the opinion states:

“Women who habitually engaged in vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or who were physically active before pregnancy can continue these activities during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Observational studies of women who exercise during pregnancy have shown benefits such as decreased gestational diabetes mellitus, cesarean birth and operative vaginal delivery, and postpartum recovery time. Physical activity also can be an essential factor in the prevention of depressive disorders of women in the postpartum period. Physical activity and exercise in pregnancy are associated with minimal risks and have been shown to benefit most women, although some modification to exercise routines may be necessary because of normal anatomic and physiologic changes and fetal requirements.”

Also important to note, the ACOG opinion recommends staying well hydrated when exercising to ensure proper temperature regulation and to discuss your exercise regime with your care provider. 

 Check out one of Arctic Lynx’s very first brand ambassadors, Morgan, who continued to rock climb while pregnant.

Happy Competing Mama!

-Michelle

Have a competing while pregnant story you want to share with us? Tag us in your posts @arcticlynxmaternity or send us your story at info@arcticlynxmaternity.com