Fencing class in very early pregnancy

[diggingforvictory]

I signed up to a beginners fencing class a few weeks ago, but I've just found out that I'm pregnant. I'll be around 6 weeks. I've previously had 2 mcs at 8 weeks (and 1 ds) so I'm partly expecting this one to fail.

I know I should talk to the instructor. My worry is that he'll stop me doing part of the class and I'll have to tell everyone. Then what do I say in a few weeks time when it's all over?

I'd really rather keep this one to myself (and dh) until I've had a scan. On the other hand I don't want to put any baby at risk. How much risk can there be to something the size of a pinhead deep inside my tummy though?

What would you do?

Firstly, congratulations! I guess there are 2 issues that you need to think about. Firstly, what are the actual risks to an early pregnancy from participating in a beginners' fencing class? Strikes me that fencing is probably quite niche in that a GP or a MW won't know whether there are any actual risks. So you probably won't get an accurate answer from them.
As for telling the instructor they may be the person who is best placed to know whether the class is or is not suitable for you. In any case, personally I think if you are doing any sort of instructor-led exercise class and know you are pregnant you should tell the instructor. Because there may well be particular exercises or stretches that are contraindicated in pregnancy. I wouldn't worry about the rest of the class guessing that you are preggers if you have to sit some of the class out - can always give the explanation that you have an old injury of some description. If you talk to the instructor quietly and in private (maybe over the phone before the course begins?)and explain that you want things kept private because it's very early days, then I would hope that your request for privacy would be respected. Related to how suitable the class is, you need to think about how fit you are anyway and whether your level of fitness and suppleness will take you through the class OK. If you are not so fit/supple and will find the class more of an effort then this may be a reason to give it a miss.

Second thing to think about is how will you feel if you do do the class and God forbid you do have a MC? As I understand it, usually a MC in the first trimester has virtually nothing to do with what the mother did or did not do - it was going to happen regardless. That's all very well from an intellectual point of view, but you may feel quite differently about it from an emotional and psychological point of view if the worst did happen.

BTW, what does DH think you should do?

At the end of the day it is up to the 2 of you. But you need to find out what the actual risk is and think about how you would both feel if you did have another MC and how much you might blame yourself (even though such blame maybe completely groundless).

Good luck!

If it is a contact class, and a sport you havent done before, I'd pull out to be honest. I gave up kickboxing as soon as I found out I was pregnant - v strenuous exercise and the contact element was something that all doctors recomend you avoid.

Congratulations and good luck with your pregnancy.

I used to be a serious fencer. I would not go to the class, fencing basically can involve being hit in the tummy repeatedly pretty hard, you have to wear chest protectors, but don't wear a tummy protector, no way would I risk it.

At the very least you HAVE to tell them so they can just practice footwork etc...

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll talk to the instructor beforehand, and ask him not to say anything.

I'm 5 months and go horse riding still, I think the lady that says you can get hit in the stomach, then possibly this would be a bit risky but to be fair if your pea is going to make it it will do regardless of a few pokes and prods to the belly, it's much better protected in you than it is in the outside world once it's born.

I can understand people feeling more protective if they have already had a MC, but from a neutral opinion I think mum's happiness is also most important to a healthy full term pregnancy.

You could always ask your instructor to stop the lessons and restart in one year, you'll be dying to have a bit of you time once baby is born and a perfect way to get that tummy back. I c an't imagine they'd say no to a postponement of lessons.

I know how you feel re telling people early. I had to tell my personal trainer (he knew before my mum which was weird) and I did feel a bit like I was jinxing it.

On the plus side, I have done a beginner's fencing class and the only contact was a light "tap" to the other person (just an acknowledgement really)so it may be okay. Focus was on footwork and technique.

On the minus side, be aware that the instructor may have to say no purely on the basis of their insurance.

I used to fence, and while the majority of beginner's stuff is footwork and technique, there will be an invite to spar a bit with some of the more experienced fencers there, to give you a taste of the sport. I would be inclined to speak to the instructor for your own peace of mind really. I horse-ride too, and would say it is an entirely different risk that cannot be compared. In horse riding the aim is to stay in the saddle, whereas in fencing the aim is to hit your opponent with the tip of your foil (sword,) meaning that they are trying to hit you, too!