Pregnancy and training

[slavila]

I was wondering if there are any women out there who have trained while pregnant. If so, how long did you train and what kind of restrictions did you have? We are thinking of trying for our third baby, and I know I would really miss karate if I had to give it up for 9 months!! Thanks

[Sohan]

A lady in my dojo has recently had a baby. Because of the contact nature of karate she decided it would be best to cut back the more aggressive movements for the first trimester, with no contact, and then lay off completely for the last 2 trimesters. She did light cardio for the last two trimesters. Her baby was born healthy and the mom is doing great.

Not saying this is best for you, but it is what she did. I have run marathons with women who were only weeks from giving birth, so I suppose every situation is different.

Respectfully,

Sohan

[Blackbeltblonde]

At my school we had a pregnant woman do all the training normally that didn't require contact (hence no sparring or grappling) she did lots of light kicking and punching.

Then as the time progressed she moved to just hands and weapons..

Eventually she did just weapons (we train with Escrima sticks) She did a great job just standing or sitting and training!

And the last 2 months I think she just came to watch Good luck!

~BBB

[KarateK]

As has been said above, you just have to know your limitations, there is nothing to stop you keeping up exercise if you are feeling good - if you are going to miss it that much I am sure that your instructors can find something for you to do - be it even teaching the lower grades.

Ultimately though you have to llok out for yourself, and that all depends on how you progress through your pregnancy. With having 2 kids I am sure you know that sometimes you feel on top of the world, others like you never want to get out of bed.

Above all, be healthy x

P.S The trying for the baby is the fun bit anyway