Riding while pregnant?

[Vina]

Hi everybody! As things have worked out, having just started riding about 3 months or so ago, I've just found out we're expecting our second child. So now I wonder, should I continue to ride, or should I give it up until after the baby is born (in mid-June...that's like forever!) Or can I ride at speeds of say, up to a canter or even just trot, until a certain time (I was hoping to stay until maybe the fourth month, before anything really shows). I have ridden twice since I found out and haven't mentioned it to my instructor (I'm afraid she'll say GO HOME!) Yeah, yeah, I know I have to tell her! Any suggestions?

[Vicki]

First of all congratulations - maybe a new rider in the making!!

There was a girl at our yard who rode until she was about six months pregnant. The only things she found was mounting was difficult, her position changed because of extra weight at front and she got quite bad stitches when riding in anything other than a walk for a length of time.

Think you need to tell your instructor and perhaps take advice from your Doctor (though he/she will obviously err on the cautious side).

Good luck,

Vicki

[summer]

Congradulations!
My doctor told me that riding was perfectly okay to do, and keep doing, for as long as it felt comfortable. He said anything you've been doing just carry on, but don't take up any bizarre new sports! The only real risk is if you have a fall, so know your limitations, and let common sense be the judge. Riding is great exercise, and works many of the muscles you'll need for when you get bigger, and is a great way to relax, exercise, and get some fresh air. So talk to your doctor, do what feels right for you, take sensible precautions, and enjoy your pregnancy! By the way, get plenty of sleep now...it will be precious later!

[Vina]

Phew, okay I feel better now, I thought maybe everyone would say NO NO NO, DON'T RIDE! *S* Yes, the only thing I'm really afraid of is falling off, since I haven't been riding very long. I was hoping to be able to trot and maybe canter (in the ring), and I would be happy with that, til I got so it was uncomfortable and I felt it was too dangerous (and winter is coming, so that's incentive to take a break for a while). And yes, I will certainly tell my instructor. Summer, sleep, what is sleep? I already have one child, a 2 year old, so sleep is a luxury around here, but thanks for the advice!