Is skiing when pregnant a ridiculous idea?

[laweaselmys]

DP and I have had an offer to spend some time in the alps with a friend who has their own place and will be their for the whole season, I've been skiing wince I was three and would love to go again, and he would too since he has never been. But this season runs roughly from mid my second trimester to a month after my EDD, and am not sure that it would be safe?

Has anyone else gone when pregnant?

[laweaselmys]

*since

[Othersideofthechannel]

It doesn't sound very safe to me.

You could go for a racket hike while your DP learns to ski.

[MsHighwater]

I think you should probably give it a miss this time. Even the best skiers can fall and an awkward fall could harm you or the baby. Surely not worth the risk? Doesn't have to stop you from going, just from ski-ing.

[laweaselmys]

I think I will try and convince him to go in a few years time when we have our own four year old to teach how to zoom down the mountain at dangerous speeds.

[RedHead81]

I wouldn't go - not worth risking a fall IMO.

[Anna8888]

Yes.

Ask your insurer what they think - I think you'll get a good quick answer

[LIZS]

I think by that stage it is more risky rather than earlier on. Your centre of gravity is shifting, your ligaments are looser so less forgiving with higher risk of injury and , no matter how good a skier you are and how careful, you cannot allow for those who may not be. Go on the trip by all means (probably earlier in the season when a bit quieter and snow sure and you can get insurance) and let dp have a go so next time he can join you but I'm sure you could share some nice non-skiing moments too anyway.

[Flossyjim]

I went skiing whilst pregnant, although I was only about 9 weeks. Early days, and was fine ( so is DS!) But I think at your stage I'd probably give it a miss.

[ForeverOptimistic]

I know of someone who wouldn't forgo her annual ski trip and she ended up having a fall. It is just not worth it.

[hatcam]

I skied quite full on (hiked/off piste etc) but early on (8/9 weeks with no problem), but later on I wouldn't (i.e. when your bump emerges, so less maternal fat to cushion, centre of gravity changed, ligaments in knees and ankles soft and more risk of abs trauma). Even if you're very sure of your own abilities, you nened ever know what other idiots on the slopes are going to do.

The Alps are lovely even if you're not skiing (think of all that tartiflette), take this season off and book yourself up for the next year so you've got some skiing to look forward to!

[prettybird]

I ski-ed at the end of the first trimseter (just into the second) and was fine. Did so with the apporval of my GP and the two friends I was skiing with (best freind and her husband) who are both GPs.

Hwever, it deosn't sound like the dates will work out in your case.

I do have a friend who skii-ed to after 6months pregnant with twins - but she is a ski instructor and even she eventualy had to admit defeat.

My ds is now 7 (nearly 8)and has been skiing since he was 4 (taught initially the ski instrcuotr friend). Their twins are now 6 and are little tikes on the mountain!

[HaventSleptForAYear]

My SIL gave birth in May and skied through the winter preceeding her baby.

I thought she was nuts though (but it wasn't down-hill, it was on the flat - can't remember what you call that - cross -country,)

[JuneBugJen]

Don't.

You would never forgive yourself if something happens.

I'm a good skiier but didn't go during both pregnancies. Sob!
The person behind you ready to impale their board into your body could be a learner snowboarder. Its not worth it.

[TheRedQueen]

Don't do it!

I went cross-country ski-ing at 8-9 weeks, fell on a small slope and was hospitalised for a week with severe bleeding. Thankfully, DD hung on and all was fine but I now wonder what on earth possessed me to even consider it!

[LIZS]

Most of the larger resorts have hotels with day spas too !

[Earlybird]

I'd say go (and be cautious) if you were in your first trimester. Later than that - think you'll either have to give it a miss, or park yourself in the ski lodge/apres ski area!

I went white water rafting for a week in my first trimester - but it was not an extreme river, and I 'sat out' for some of the swimming/hiking activities.

[jellybrains]

I have been skiing for many years and I ski-ing when i was 10 weeks pregnant but I was so nervous I kept falling over and packed it in after a day and drank hot chocolate and ate cakes instead!

[greenandpleasant]

went with pregnant friend a few years back, she was 4 months pg at the time and super-fit. really really sporty, worked out all the time, kept up with exercise whilst pg. she was KNACKERED by day 2, slept all day day 3 and barely skiied for the rest of the week. When she did, she skiied v sensibly, edge of piste, lots of breaks, took it slow etc. but she was absolutely wiped out. doesn't mean you would be the same - but she was surprised by just how tired she was.

however if you can get away to the alps for lovely fresh air, sunshine and gentle walking type exercise then why not go anyway and let dp learn to ski so he's more proficient next time you go?

oh, also you have to be careful about altitude though Alps probably not a problem unless you plan to spend whole days at the very top of the mountains.

[mrsmcdreamy]

my sister, who is an intermediate skier, skied the infamous vallee blanche off piste route in chamonix while 6 months pregnant with her first baby. i went skiing when i was about 10 weeks with my second & although i'm a pretty experienced skier & don't fall over much, i had the fear and ended up doing 2 mornings only.

altitude isn't really a problem - according to a high-altitude doctor who's advised me in the past - it's more that (in the early days of pregnancy) you may confuse altitude sickness for morning sickness & therefore not seek treatment.

[crokky]

No way, don't do it.

Even if you won't fall, what about if someone goes into you?

[DrGeorge]

I wouldn't ski anytime after 1st trimester - ligaments all stretchy, centre of balance different. I would also be surprised if your insurance would cover you if anything happened.

[MrsWobble]

I did when about 4 months pregnant - taking it very gently but I didn't really enjoy it - it was a bit boring having to be cautious and I was also very worried about falling over so I wouldn't do it again.

We were in a catered chalet and I also found the food difficult - despite telling them in advance they seemed to serve up an awful lot of pate and unpasteurised cheeses.