Although it may seem strange to consider a bowling outing as possibly dangerous when pregnant, your body is going through several changes.
You don’t have to give it up; you just need to exercise caution.
Staying physically active during pregnancy is safe and healthful as long as you’re experiencing a healthy pregnancy and your doctor has given the all-clear.
However, there are a few things you need to be aware of before bowling while pregnant.
Continue reading to find out more about how you can still engage in the activity safely.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅Consult your doctor to confirm that your chosen physical activity regimen is safe before committing to it.
✅ Even if you frequently bow, it’s still a good idea to discuss safety issues and get a doctor’s advice.
✅ You should be able to hit the lanes as long as you use the necessary caution when carrying the ball and use a lighter weight.
Pregnancy-safety bowling advice
You should be aware that bowling balls can be hefty, which can strain your shoulders, elbow joints, and lower back. Here are some tips to keep yourself safe.
- Opt for the lightest ball you can find. You should be able to get that strike even with the reduced weight if you have good aim.
- Attempt duckpins. The balls are considerably more manageable and smaller.
- Take care to step. Oil is sprayed on the lanes to make it easier for the balls to roll down the lane. Avoid stepping over the line onto a slippery surface.
- Pay attention to your body. Don’t do a move if it hurts your joints. Try skipping that round or using an alternative strategy.
- Kneel to the floor. As you bowl, bending your knees will help relieve back stress and ensure that your posture remains upright.
Pregnancy and exercise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults engage in muscle-strengthening exercises that focus on main muscle groups for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (for example, brisk walking). If you were frequently active prior to becoming pregnant, you can typically continue your exercise regimen with a few adjustments.
In reality, as long as there are no difficulties, exercise is a beneficial component of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman feels up to it, she can work out for 30 minutes each day.
Reasons to be worried
Your ligaments, the connective tissue that supports your joints, become looser than usual as a result of pregnancy hormones. Your joints will move more freely as a result, increasing your risk of injury.
Additionally, particularly in later trimesters, you’ll be carrying greater weight forwards. Your joints will experience additional strain, and it will be simpler for you to lose your equilibrium as a result. You’ll probably feel the tension most in your lower back. It’s crucial not to strain your back muscles further.
Avoid activities that could put stress on a joint, such as jumping, fast motions, and abrupt direction changes.
Immediately stop exercising if you encounter any of the following signs:
- dizziness
- headache
- Chest aches
- contractions
- Excessive breathing
- an irregular heartbeat
- leaking or bleeding vaginal fluid
Activities to avoid
While pregnant, there are some exercises that could be harmful to you or your unborn child. Avoid the following activities, even if you did them before being pregnant:
- activities that require laying on your back (after the first trimester)
- Scuba-diving
- Working out in sweltering heat
- skiing or other high-altitude exercises
- sports where a player or piece of equipment could hit you or the infant (hockey, soccer, basketball)
- any activity that puts you at a high risk of falling
- bouncing motions or waist-twisting
Consult your doctor before engaging in any exercise if you are unsure about its safety.
Dangerous pregnancy
Women who are at risk of preterm delivery or who have other illnesses that could endanger the mother or baby should exercise special caution. Blood circulates through your heart, lungs, and muscles during activity to provide oxygen to them. Overdoing it could deprive the uterus and your developing child of oxygen.
Consult your doctor about the safest activities. You can be subject to further limitations if you encounter difficulties during pregnancy.