QuestionI am an active person. I have many active hobbies which I due every few weeks. I'm about 5wks along and worry about some of the activities I have planned. I have SCUBA dives planned for 7/26 & 8/2, with the max depth of 30ft. One expert here wrote at the end of her answer "No scuba diving due to the baby getting the 'bends'." I want to know in what trimester, at what depth, what if diving- with more freq. & longer decompression stops- would that help? I am despite for more information.
Also, I do karate, Kung Fu/Kempo style. May I continue with this as long as I take no center mass hits? What about falling for an opponent (to simulate a hit)? Are high kicks ok (until my belly gets in the way) with impact on a dummy or bag?
What about rifle shooting? I'm guessing it's ok; but not sure, due to the kick some guns can give. If I can shoulder it & handle a heavy kicking gun: Will the baby be OK?
I have a trip to Disneyland coming up next week. Can I ride the rides as long as I stay off the heavy jolting one at California Adventure (the Maliboomer & Tower of Terrors)? Is their one big rollercoaster ok? The only jolt it has is the one which rockets it up the tracks at the beginning. I'm guessing I should give my free tixs (I just won) to Six Flags to my sister. I'm guessing Six Flags is off-limits, until after the baby is born (next March).
Last question, is it ok to travel out of the country when pregnant?
I really don't want to give up my hobbies while pregnant. It will be a very boring year if I must. PLEASE help me find all the possible ways to keep them up as long as possible.
Thanks, Courtney
AnswerScuba diving is out, period.
Karate: no falls, no hits, high kicks into a bag: OK till your tummy pops out.
Disneyland: no big rides, no roller coasters, nothing that jolts/jostles your body in any way.
As to travel outside of the USA, speak to your MD about where you are going and if there are any associated health risks visiting that country. Also discuss possible side effects you might experience due to sitting for long periods of time in a plane, with reduced circulation to your legs.
While you certainly will need to adapt your activities for your pregnancy, it's not necessarily something to regret as your accommodations are insuring the health of your developing baby.
Think about ways that you could enjoy being physically active that actually increase the health of your baby; moderate level aerobic activities on most days of the week. You can fitness walk, jog, hike, bicycle (indoor or on bike paths) swim, dance, aerobic classes, etc.
For more information on the benefits of maternal exercise, go to:http://befitmom.com/exercise.html
