Riding whilst pregnant

[Solstar]

I'm 32 weeks pregnant now- I stopped riding at 24 weeks. My horses aren't exactly 'reliable'- and I was under alot of pressure from the OH not to risk it- he's seen what my horses do when they have their moments! Really missing it now tho! Roll on February, i'm determined to get back on ASAP and want to be competing again in May!

 

[Snoopy1]

Personal choice but I rode until 7 months with my first, only stopping because it hurt me to walk after I got off - was ok while riding! and up to 36 wks with my second but I trust my boy implicitly. Depends on you and your horse I think. Only you know how you feel physically and mentally about things so listen to yourself!

Re the Johds, I found a pair with a draw string waist and bought the biggest size I could get and just kept letting the waist out

Congratulations on your pregnancy and I hope all goes OK.

 

[ClassicG&T]

Mary King did Badminton and Europeans (or olympics, cant remember which) whilst pregnant.....

But whatever you feel comfortable with

 

[pinkypug1]

I was the same 28yrs old been riding solid for 20yrs but totally stopped at 6 weeks pregnant (thats when i found out) i wasnt willing to risk my baby! A fall from a horse is no doubt going to cause damage and even the safest horse/pony can surprise you when spooked or even a simple trip.

It totally personal prefrence but 3 of us happened to be pregnant at the same time at out yard and we all stopped. OH & my parents wouldnt have let me carry on either but if id wanted to im sure they couldnt have stopped me.

Its only 9 months of your life and i alway think better to be safe than sorry!!

 

[NeverSayNever]

I am also a healthcare professional, and have several friends who are midwives. They might not actively encourage pregnant women to ride, but they would definately encourage them to make an autonomous decision regarding their body and what they wish to do with it.
Which is what we are doing, supporting women in their decision to continue doing what they love for as long as they are comfortable doing so whilst pregnant.
When you are pregnant, the whole world and his wife think that they know what's best for you. But only YOU know what's best for you.

Agree with this. I wouldnt listen to the advice of someone just because they are a 'healthcare professional' (whatever that is) no disrespect. I listen to the team of award winning midwives in charge of my care, midwives who would challenge the way a lot of women give birth in NHS hospitals The philosophies around child birth are changing, for the better. My MW would never tell me riding is 'safe', its about minimising the risk and making the best informed choice for you and your baby. Getting in the car is not 'safe', walking into an NHS ward and risking MRSA is not 'safe'. Crossing the road isnt 'safe'.

Each to their own

 

[hollyflower]

Thanks for all of your opinions, it seems to be fairly split but tipping ever so slightly in favour of riding if I feel capable! I do think that so many things we do are dangerous and I am far more likely to have an accident in a car than on a safe and sensible hack, but I probably won't stop getting in cars!

Good luck to all the other members of 'bumps in jhods'!!

I feel so torn about this subject but really value all of your thoughts

xx

 

[indie999]

Agree with this. I wouldnt listen to the advice of someone just because they are a 'healthcare professional' (whatever that is) no disrespect. I listen to the team of award winning midwives in charge of my care, midwives who would challenge the way a lot of women give birth in NHS hospitals The philosophies around child birth are changing, for the better. My MW would never tell me riding is 'safe', its about minimising the risk and making the best informed choice for you and your baby. Getting in the car is not 'safe', walking into an NHS ward and risking MRSA is not 'safe'. Crossing the road isnt 'safe'.

Each to their own

Political correct term for healthcare professional (it means doctor or registered nurse etc a qualified registered person). I did link in previously to Royal college of Obstetricians also healthcare professionals and it is not advised, but what do they know. But good that your team of midwives do know better but as you say your MW would tell you riding is not safe, so we agree. Losing a much wanted baby is devastating experience so wouldnt wish it on anyone, but taking risks is part of life perhaps. We have all the blood tests to minimise risk and to stop riding is getting rid of another rather big risk. MRSA tends to cause problems in immune compromised patients not in healthy people so unfortunately walking into an NHS ward will not cause you to get ill(20-30% healthy population have MRSA).

 

[LickettySplit]

As far as I know sitting on a horse does not make your baby fall out

My advice - go with your intiution but pay very close attention to your body and know your limitations. When you're pregnant your ligaments soften making you much more prone to injury plus your balance is affected so take it a bit easier than you normally would.

As for me - I didn't ride with my first as my mare was in-foal. I rode up 16 weeks with baby no.2 but locked my sacroiliac on a 3 hour ride which, coupled with the baby bouncing on my bladder, made riding uncomfortable - I was back in the saddle 2 weeks after the birth though!

 

[NeverSayNever]

Political correct term for healthcare professional (it means doctor or registered nurse etc a qualified registered person). I did link in previously to Royal college of Obstetricians also healthcare professionals and it is not advised, but what do they know. But good that your team of midwives do know better but as you say your MW would tell you riding is not safe, so we agree. Losing a much wanted baby is devastating experience so wouldnt wish it on anyone, but taking risks is part of life perhaps. We have all the blood tests to minimise risk and to stop riding is getting rid of another rather big risk. MRSA tends to cause problems in immune compromised patients not in healthy people so unfortunately walking into an NHS ward will not cause you to get ill(20-30% healthy population have MRSA).

i do know what healthcare professional means, I'd still listen to my MW over my GP I didnt say my MW told me riding is not safe either, that's somewhat twisting my words. I will reiterate, its about minimising risks and making the best informed choice for each individual,its certainly not for anyone else to judge. I wouldn't wish losing a baby on anyone either.

 

[noblesteed]

I'm 25 weeks pregnant with my first baby. I have been riding up til 21 weeks when I stopped due to the most awful sciatica, this has now turned into groin/ligament/nerve pain (noone is quite sure) and I am signed off work for it...
Absolutely gutted that I had to stop riding! Husband was fine with me carrying on riding my horse who is pretty safe, in fact has been an absolute angel since I have been preggers. Though I stopped jumping as soon as I found out as I was scared of a blow to the tummy early on, as it's my first and at 33 I am no spring chicken!
I am now completely bored out of my skull, still struggling up to yard to do horse and can't bear more than a day of not seeing him.
At least I managed to ride half way through! I don;t see anything wrong with it so long as you are a good rider and are careful, don't take any silly risks or ride anything daft. I know for a FACT I am more likely to fall down stairs, trip over in the street or bump my car than fall off! Especially when I attached a grab handle to my saddle in case of emergency! You know your own limits.

As for bump jodphurs, I can recommend Ronhill tracksuit bottoms - they have an elasticated waist so fit over a bump very well whilst being comfortable to ride. Look slightly chav but who cares? I have a pair I use for cycling.

I AM having difficulty with Bump-coats for stable chores now it's getting really cold though...

 

[indie999]

And if you fall off or get kicked in the guts...........that is the risk. I have a steady eddy 99.5% but its not sitting on a horse thats bad its IF you fall/kick etc. That is the point being missed here.

My falls happen when I least expected them cant imagine being preggers too. Thats the risk.

 

[Laura1812]

And if you fall off or get kicked in the guts...........that is the risk. I have a steady eddy 99.5% but its not sitting on a horse thats bad its IF you fall/kick etc. That is the point being missed here.

My falls happen when I least expected them cant imagine being preggers too. Thats the risk.

so does that mean you are not handling your horse either in case he kicks you?

my family and husband are very supportive of the fact im still riding and will continue to support me to do so until the time comes when it is too much. i have lots of friends that rode until almost the day they dropped and were in the saddle 2 weeks later. i have ridden pretty much every day of my life since the age of 3 bar holidays etc... im not suddenly stopping it all now when im perfectly fit and healthy just because of a 'what-if'.

 

[Booboos]

First of all congratulations on the pregnancies eveyrone on this thread!

There are many things that are risky during pregnancy, from driving (steering wheel hitting the tummy in case of accident) to loads of different foods, to stroking cats. Everyone has to decide which risks they are willing to take and everyone is different.

As far as I understand it riding is not dangerous to pregnancies per se, but the falling off could be. Also getting kicked or trampled while handling is a risk. I rode till 23 weeks and then was just too worried to continue. I also did not enjoy the riding much as I could not school effectively. Other things like lunging became impossible later on as my balance was seriously affected and I couldn't get out of the way if needed. Having said all that I almost fell down the stairs twice as well!

Oddly enough if I had to choose again I don't think I would ride for that long. Having had the baby she is so amazing I wouldn't want to take as many risks with a second pregnancy, but it is a personal choice.

 

[Sarah1]

First of all, congratulations!
My only daughter has just turned 1 year old. I rode up to about 20 weeks and though my family would have liked me to stop sooner they were very understanding although my husband was hugely relieved when I said I was stopping!
I stopped, not because it was uncomfortable, but because I was being silly and getting a bit anxious over little things that wouldn't normally bother me and TBH I didn't want to pass any nerves onto my horse - he's super brave and I wanted him to stay that way!
I always rode with someone and only hacking/flatwork and I trust my horse 100% though I know accidents can happen no matter what!
I agree with people who say listen to your body but one thing I would add (sorry if already said but not read all replies) is that I think it's a decision you need to make with your partner - it's his baby too and I believe it's only right to include him in such a big decision.
I carried on lunging, mucking out & grooming etc right up until giving birth so you can still be around them just perhaps not on board right to the very end!
Good luck x

 

[hollyflower]

Hi everyone!!

After reading all your posts and messages and talking with my husband to be (in 2 days... eek!!) I have decided to stop at 24 weeks as that is when I will be so big it would be highly likely to cause some damage if I fell and to stop riding one particular horse now as he gets excitable! That way I get to enjoy my last rides but also my partner knows that I respect his wishes... I imagine I will be back in the saddle within days of giving birth however!!

I think if you trust your ability, your horse and are wise about your limitations then it is perfectly safe to carry on as long as your happy to, my riding instructor was still escorting rides on her 5 year old tb eventer at 37 weeks and I thought she was amazing!! Lots of respect for you women who continue in to late pregnancy, this is the one thing we have all lived and breathed since little girls and the idea of giving up for a year was never an option for me personally but if your more on the cautious side then good for you.

I think maybe we all forget how dangerous horses are, if you thought about the actual risks all the time then we would just sit at home all our lives, but lets face it, there is no better feeling than when your cantering through a field in the sunshine and I wouldn't give it up for the world!!

 

[KerslakeEquestrian]

I rode my very sensible mare until I was 7 months including having weekly lessons. The only reason I stopped was because my bump kept getting in the way! Lol. Do what's right for you. My mum and midwife were appalled when I said I was still riding but my LO is now 14 months and healthy! Ride now whilst you get the chance! Oh and I did end up falling up the stairs at around 35 weeks but never fell from my mare! Lol

My labour was very short and the hospital staff all said that the riding had helped and in their experience riders make for the best pushers!! Helps with the pelvic floor as well

Enjoy every aspect of your pregnancy. Don't listen to others x

 

[Sarah1]

I imagine I will be back in the saddle within days of giving birth however!!

Don't be so sure!

I thought exactly the same but I was 6 weeks before I felt comfortable 'down there' (they had to cut me a little bit) and then the snow hit!

Until you have the baby you have no idea how exhausted you will feel and how uncomfortable you may be for a few days/weeks so please don't set yourself targets that you might end up disappointed you can't meet - there's enough pressure on you to be a Mum! Take your time, it's worth the wait!

 

[pedilia]

I rode through all four of my pregnancies, up until the point I couldn't physically get on due to the size of my tummy. I think it is a decision only you as an indivdual can make.
I was also back in the saddle 6 days after giving birth.

 

[hollyflower]

I have three kids already!! And was up shopping in town within 6 hours!! Never ripped, 3 hour labour, I think I will be ok... I'm a machine! lol

although every pregnancy and birth is different but fingers crossed...

 

[Sarah1]

I have three kids already!! And was up shopping in town within 6 hours!! Never ripped, 3 hour labour, I think I will be ok... I'm a machine! lol

although every pregnancy and birth is different but fingers crossed...

WOW! You certainly are! I must not have read your OP right (and admit I haven't read all of the others!) - I thought this was your 1st for some reason!

Ignore me then!

 

[Jerroboam]

Only those people who have been pregnant and know whats its like can really comment to be honest. To give up something as consuming as horses/riding for 9 months is a really hard thing. I am 36 weeks pregnant, still have my daughters pony and husbands hunter all up together and i've loved every second. I feel fitter and weigh bang on what I should because of it. Providing you are careful the mental side of things can seriously outweight any negatives, in my opinion. Enjoy being pregnant too!

Good luck xx

 

[Scheherezade]

QR

I rode till I was 5 1/2 months, and getting off the horse became a major task!

 

[Scheherezade]

Political correct term for healthcare professional (it means doctor or registered nurse etc a qualified registered person). I did link in previously to Royal college of Obstetricians also healthcare professionals and it is not advised, but what do they know. But good that your team of midwives do know better but as you say your MW would tell you riding is not safe, so we agree. Losing a much wanted baby is devastating experience so wouldnt wish it on anyone, but taking risks is part of life perhaps. We have all the blood tests to minimise risk and to stop riding is getting rid of another rather big risk. MRSA tends to cause problems in immune compromised patients not in healthy people so unfortunately walking into an NHS ward will not cause you to get ill(20-30% healthy population have MRSA).

My midwife told me most women she works with carry on riding till they were about 6 months pregnant, that if anything riding was good for me whilst pregnant as it helps the stomach muscles and pelvic floor muscles, and means a shorter post natal recovery time.

 

[*Spider*]

I'm sorry but I think you should stop.
Accidents can happen. What would you do if you lost of the baby because of an accident? Even the best riders have accidents.
I can 100% understand why the cob's oner said no.

 

[crazyhorse4727]

Before I knew I was pregnant with my daughter I was riding, breaking, and schooling horses for other people. I then got bucked clear over head from my own quirky horse, who I've had for 18 years. It left me very sick most of the pregnancy, but my daughter was ok. I stopped riding other horses and just rode my own, in as controlled environment as possible, and I was lucky nothing else happened. I rode till 7months and lunged till I was ready to drop!

I'm now 4months with our second, and not riding already. I was teaching and breaking and schooling young horses again, which where all quite civil. But started to take really bad abdominal pains and had stop work and leave my babies to someone else!
But again its not worth the risk 9months out of the rest of your life and for the well being of another life, its the sacrifice you make you make the decision to have a baby, that you do everything in your power to keep that little un safe. My daughter shows me every day its worth it.
After you drop then if you want to take the risk at least no one else is involved in the consequences.
But everyone will go their own way, just don't ask why if something happens, but good luck to all the 'in-foal' ladies in here!

 

[coen]

I think it is a personal decision.
But it isn't something I would do, riding any horse is dangerous at the best of times they are unpredictable and have a mind of their own, it isn't like carrying on doing a general sport where you are in control completely. So no I wouldn't take the risk.
When you think of all the accidents that happen even just being around horses it makes you realise how vulnerable you are whilst pregnant. A lady at the yard got kicked bringing her horse in from the field and broke her ribs and another is laid up at the moment after being trampled by a bolting horse.
Plus my bf would kill me if he found out.

 

[NeverSayNever]

I have three kids already!! And was up shopping in town within 6 hours!! Never ripped, 3 hour labour, I think I will be ok... I'm a machine! lol

although every pregnancy and birth is different but fingers crossed...

wow hollyflower you might just have to be my new best friend so you can tell me this on a daily basis

 

[sodslaw]

Hi Hollyflower.
Congrats on your pregnancy. This is supposed to be a wonderful and exciting time for you, but unfortunately there are always a lot of people who, from the moment you get pregnant, think that your life and your body is now their domain to criticise and tell you what to do. Ignore them -and this goes for ALL the "well meant" interfering advice from what you should/n't feed to issues re routine etc. Its your body and your baby. You make the decisions. I rode up to 3weeks before my son was born and only stopped because I couldn't get off my horse any more! I had a very straight forward birth. Some say that riding actually benefits your pelvic floor, although the midwives did ask me NOT to do any pelvic floor excersises as they were worried it could delay birth. I stopped hacking out at 6months after my horse (TB) decided to have a cheeky gallop to catch up with his friend! Also, riding keeps you fit and if that is the excersise that your body is used to you should be fine. It's not like you've just started riding!!
Enjoy your pregnancy, do what you feel comfortable with and listen to your body. After baby was born I was tempted to put the following sign on my door: "All advice welcomed as long as it was asked for; please come in, but make your own coffee and gentleman, just because you've stubbed your toe/had kidney stones etc does not mean you know what I've been through."
Good luck!!!

 

[sodslaw]

Ps. I was back on my horse 3weeks after my son was born!

 

[hollyflower]

wow hollyflower you might just have to be my new best friend so you can tell me this on a daily basis

Ha ha! Okay! I am very much a believer that in the western world we treat pregnancy like a serious illness... all over the world woman carry on like normal, pop the baby out and carry on the same as before. If your having a difficult pregnancy or birth then your exempt, but otherwise, suck it up, carry on and I say this a five month pregnant mother of three who works, has horses, keeps a home and still manages to have fun!! Limitations are only in your mind.

P.s. don't use this as an invitation to take up vaulting/ sky diving at 30 weeks but within reason..... x