Should I or shouldn't I?

[SoozleQ]

I'm 27 weeks pregnant with my first child and work are having a departmental away day this week. They're going to the Lake District and plan on doing a "6 mile walk with only one steep bit". Although none of them have ever been pregnant, they seem to think that this will be no problem, I should join them and that I'll be fine.

Whilst not exactly sporty fit, I am generally healthy and haven't had much in the way of problems with the pregnancy - doesn't mean it's not bloody uncomfortable when I have a head or foot lying low down in my abdomen however.

Should I just say thanks but no thanks or give it a go? I'm just a bit worried that once I embark on the walk/hike there'll be no escape if it's a bit too much. Or, will it all be fine and am I just worrying too much because my mother keeps trying to make me stop doing stuff?

If you are worried just don't do it, especially as there is no escape.

I found I'd think I wasn't too tired to do stuff and then regret it as I would be knackered. Take care of yourself, its an important time.

"Although none of them have been pregnant, they seem to think that this will be no problem"
If none of them have been pregnant, what are they basing this assumption on? How steep is "steep"? Is there a risk of you falling over now your centre of gravity has shifted?
If you start the walk and don't feel comfortable, will someone in the group be willing to take you back to your starting point? Personally, I'm 25 weeks and can't walk 6 yards without needing a sit-down and a back-rub, so hats off to you if you do it!
I'm sure lots of women go walking whilst PG. Only you know your body's capabilities though, I wouldn't really take at face value the opinion of people that have never carried the equivalent of a watermelon strapped to their belly up a hill!
PS sorry if I sound like your mum!

I'm still at the gym three times a week and doing pilates twice a week and was a serious runner pre-pregnancy and there is NO WAY I'd do this! Combination of the distance and the fact that after a certain point there really will be no way out other than to continue until the bitter end. I doubt you'd do yourself a mischief, but it may well end up being damn uncomfortable and painful. And knackering. Very knackering! And as for what your colleagues "think" - sod 'em!!

Just think of the (inevitable) crushing tiredness that you will have that night.

Hi, I had similar problem at work last week. Am 21w and had to do a site visit involving trapsing through countryside, over hills and fences for about 6 miles. I am fit and swim four times a week and no chance I was doing it (though other non-preggars in the office couldn't understand it). It wasn't just the distance, but the fact that rocky paths and fields are unsteady ground and I am not the most nimble of people (would never had forgiven myself or work if I had have gone over).

I got round it by meeting them at strategic points to take photos. I know that site visit is a bit different but maybe you could suggest that you could meet them for moral support, walk a small section/ hand out drinks/chocs etc. for energy (they wouldn't be moaning then!) then catch up with them again??

Good luck - it's horrible getting pressure from others but stick to your guns - it's your body and baby!

6 miles?

None of them have ever been pregnant, but they say it'll be fine??

Feck that!

I'd say no.

At about 26 weeks with DD I had no problems and being fairly fit and healthy did a good stint of spring gardening. I managed to overstretch my pelvis and knackered myself for the rest of the pregnancy.

Remember you are at the point in you pregnancy when it is very easy to over stretch, or fall or pull something and with 13 weeks left to go, that's a long time living with that injury or at the very least having a weak point.

As planner says, if you can still be part of it without doing the main walk then go for it, otherwise, take the day off and treat yourself to something relaxing.

I dont think this is appropriate, have your HR department risk assessed this proposal?

Definitely not! I did read an article in the sunday papers a few weeks back where Paula Radcliffe said she "cut back" to just an 8 mile a day run when pregnant, so it is possible. Then again, I'm presuming you aren't a super-fit marathan runner like Paula Radcliffe...

The thing is, you may well be able to manage it, but it will knacker you out for the rest of that day and the next, more than likely.

OK, I am nearly 38 weeks but I did a lot of walking yesterday (nowhere near 6 miles!) and it exhausted me - I collapsed into bed at about 9PM last night, and my body is wrecked today.

So even if you do manage it (which you may well not), it will still take its toll.

it's not impossible. with pg1 i had a fortnights holiday at 7 months in the lakes and walked every other day mainly low level stuff but I did do catbells terrace which is a reasonable climb when pregnant but I am a regularly hill walker usually more than 6 miles.

things to consider are that you will walk slowly, are your colleagues expecting this, will they walk at your pace, regular rests etc? know exactly what the walk is one persons steep bit is another persons kilamanjaro! also are there any alternative routes if it is too much for you and would anybody be willing to stick with you if you decide to take an easier or earlier route back? If there is no escape route don't do it.

If you are going to end up pushing yourself beyond what you feel you are capable of just to keep up with them don't go.

I'm 36 weeks with two big dogs and I have to say the walks have got shorter and flatter as the weeks have gone on -long walks with hills ache under the bump, as well as making me knackered for the rest of the day.

Whether 6 miles with one steep bit is too much depends a bit on how fast they're going and how hot it is, I'd say, but if you're unsure I'd stay clear.

I think it's ridiculous that they expect you to do this tbh -what you do and what risks you take in your leisure time is your business, but workplaces have a legal responsibilty to minimise unnecessary risks, and however well intended this walk is I'd say it's clearly unnecessary.

I wouldn't go. Prior to being pregnant I would have thought nothing of walking 15 plus miles in a day over Scottish mountains, but now I feel pretty tired if I walk to the corner shop! no way would I commit to a six mile walk, particularly in a group setting where you won't be able to set your own pace. Why risk it?