Climbing (indoor) - pregnant...?

[climbingcheesecake]

Has anyone done (continued) this? Aside the risk of falling - is there any risk association with the abdominal/core muscle use?

[katienana]

Wouldn't your bump get in the way? I don't think it falls under gentle low impact exercise so I wouldn't after especially after 12 weeks.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I'd be worried about the pressure of the harness/rope.

I've no idea if my worry is valid or not.

[climbingcheesecake]

I am still in the first trimester so no bump yet. I guess at some point it would get in the way though. I'm wondering about the first 12wks.

[Veterinari]

Quite heavily pregnant ladies climb at my gym - but they use a full body harness, like the ones very small children use but adult-sized - it avoids pressure on the bump

[TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams]

Fine to use your abdominal muscles, but the harness would be a no no once your uterus starts to rise out of your pelvis I would think. I would be wary of climbing with one before as a sharp fall will be felt around your stomach though your thighs will mostly take the strain.

I would think bouldering indoor at a low level would be absolutely fine until about 24 weeks depending on bump size. Bit dull if you are very good though

HUGE CAVEAT I am not a medical professional, just a former social climber pre kids. With your first child especially if you are fit you may have little or no visible bump until after 20 weeks so it may be perfectly comfortable. Or you may have exploded by then. I skied at 20 weeks with my first and doctor and midwives were fine with it, by 10 weeks I was the same size with my second. The key risk is direct impact to your stomach area.

The other thing to remember is that your muscles relax when you are pregnant in preparation for childbirth so you are more prone to injury generally. While the baby might be absolutely fine, you might be hobbling around which would be no fun, especially if it causes lasting weakness.

[TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams]

Didn't know they existed Veterini

[climbingcheesecake]

I have heard about the full body harnesses, so if it goes well I will get one later on.

[Junosmum]

My understanding (I'm a climber, not a medical professional) is carry on as normal in first tri, switch to full body harness once bump is out of the pubic area, reduce your leading grade in 2nd tri and only second in third tri. And as always, listen to your body, don't push yourself and be aware that you more likely to pull muscles & ligaments due to the relaxin hormone.

Also make your belayer aware and maybe get them to hold you tighter when top roping to reduce the impact of falls.

www.ukclimbing.com/articles/page.php?id=2080

[Junosmum]

I would add, I gave birth 3 weeks ago, I climbed once in my first tri (was too tired and sick) and once in my second as I couldn't find a reasonably priced full body harness! I'd have climbed more but had a back injury which flared up and I didn't want to make it worse.

[climbingcheesecake]

Thanks for the advice. I am going this weekend so I will play it really safe, and see how I feel. I am very tired at the moment so it might be hard work

[climbingcheesecake]

Hi, I thought I would update in case anyone else is interested. Had my first climbing pregnant experience on Friday and it went well.
I felt a bit sick to be honest when I was on the ground, but as soon as I got on the wall, I felt fine. I was being extra cautious and kept to low grades. As long as I feel well enough, I will keep going for as long as I can.
I did a bit of bouldering too, but down-climbed all the routes.

[espresso14]

I climbed during my first pregnancy. I found hormones were the biggest blocker to routes, so I stopped those very early (8 weeks), as I had an overwhelming feeling of insecurity. I've just found out I'm pregnant again, and have dropped down expectations again.

I kept up bouldering. I didn't feel safe doing anything where I might fall (by which I mean those silly falls that you don't expect), so I often didn't do the last move, and instead did easy routes (nb all indoors), and just enjoyed the movement. You also have to think about your exit - e.g. having an easy way to climb down.

As bump got in the way, I stuck to low level traversing on circuit wall, for a long time. I had a very enlightened physio who said it was a great way to stretch your back (all that twisting). As you go on, you have to be careful to not make too much use of your increased flexibility.

My abs hurt a lot in pregnancy, but I was very fit when I got pregnant and had been climbing a lot, so I suspect they were just very tight.

I went back to climbing about 12 weeks post partum, in the day time, with baby on playmat at the wall. It was a lovely way to spend mat leave, until she learnt to move. You could easily pop down and play/ feed baby, whilst still feeling like you've got a bit of "you" back. She's 2 now, loves the wall, and is climbing to teddy herself!

[climbingcheesecake]

Thanks espresso. It's great to hear.

I also found I was feeling a bit insecure at first!
This might sound irresponsible (especially to non-climbers) but I just climbed through it and ignored the fear.
I have heard from many people that they have developed a fear of heights after being pregnant. I really hope this doesn't happen! I love climbing so much, I need it in my life.

Did you get a full body harness? I have had a quick look and they are not cheap.

I like the sound of taking the baby climbing :-) Hopefully that will be us one day.

[espresso14]

I didn't get a harness, as given my head issues, I didn't want to spend all that money to find I didn't like it. But, bouldering was lovely, and the traversing really is so lovely to stretch out as you get big. It keeps your technique up, and a good way to maintain back and arm strength (which you are going to need once baby arrives). Nb, I'd misremembered, I went back climbing about 6 weeks post partum, but my abs hadn't split so I was ok. I had to be careful to not stretch legs too widely, as joints were still affected.

[climbingcheesecake]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. On a side note, would you think I should tell my climbing partners? I would prefer to keep it quiet for a few more weeks. Would it matter if they don't know?