Sports whilst pregnant?

[spg1983]

Hi all,

This is probably a really silly question, but I'm going to ask it anyway!

I'm quite a sporty person, normally I'd play badminton 3x per week but have injured my shoulder quite seriously recently so not able to do it for last few months. Am able to run quite a long distance with no problems but haven't really felt like doing it recently as I'm 6wks pregnant.

However...I'm a teacher and next week is our annual sports day when we all get together and represent the teaching staff against the pupils. I've been asked to do some sprints (100m relay). I tried to get out of it by using the shoulder as an excuse but got the answer 'you don't need a shoulder to run'! I really don't want it getting out that I'm pregnant, hence using the shoulder as an excuse.

I suppose I could do it but would I be silly to do this? Part of me is thinking it's just one race and I can take it easy(ish) if I need to (although that'd probably arouse suspicion) and it's highly unlikely that running 100m will cause me any problems but there's just something in the back of my mind making me worry. Please could people advise me either way...thank you.

There's no reason why you shouldn't do it, but if you don't feel like it, just make an excuse.

Shame about that recurring knee problem............

I'm an SEN teacher and had all this over rebound therapy (which you are really not supposed to do as can definately cause mc) Was advised that a bad back is an instant effective excuse in early days, (had genuinely missed it once due to a sore back) so reckon a pulled hamstrings might do it?

Not an expert - imo if you're quite fit it should be ok, but to be honest the anxiety can be the more difficult thing so in your shoes i'd not. My deputy was sympathetic as she could only have one child and said 'why risk it?' I was getting on with kids who could bounce themselves and I knew no behaviour issues till 8 weeks after which she took over.

It's very hard to know what to do in those early days, I had to tell people very early due to restraining stuff. Didn't like it though. I don't think people realise how physical teaching can be esp for those 'younger fitter ones' who get all the physical stuff!

Congratulations by the way!

You could ask the TES pregnancy forums but I bet they'll say similar!

Have to add don't think my boobs could have coped with that at 6 wks!

Agree with Clarella; I did the Great Manchester Run at 8 weeks, and it was honestly traumatic, not the physical activity, just the mental anguish! My hormones combined with the anxiety just turned me into a hysterical crying wreck, plus I found I had a lot of pain in my knees and was exhausted before even began! Short sprints are absolutely fine IF you're comfortable with the idea, but if you have doubts, I would advise not to do it.

Can't your shoulder injury spread through your back?! Dodgy tummy the night before? Forgot your kit?
XxX

oh yes thats reminded me, at 6-7 weeks I seemed to suddenly feel every spots related injury i'd had over the last few years all at once, my joints went mental!

actually if you're running against kids, and you dont think your limp is convincing enough, surely they should win so i guess you dont have to run particularly fast....?!

You do need your shoulder to run. You pump your arms and your legs follow (or something like that). Can you say your chiropractor, who cost a lot of money, says you'll put it straight back out and negate all the work he's done if you run so you'd rather not risk it.