Whenever we hear about rock climbing- bouldering, top rope, sport climbing and many more come to our mind. I guess it is the most cherishing and challenging sport ever! But when the word climbing comes with pregnancy, we feel a bit unsafe! And it is quite normal for one to fear climbing while pregnant.
You may think how good is it for you to rock climb during pregnancy? The answer is- it depends upon you whether you want to do it. There is no doubt that rock climbing is a fascinating sport, indoor and outdoor both; but stepping upward when you are bearing a child inside you might get hypersensitive if you are not an expert in climbing. Some important facts are there behind rock climbing that people should give importance to. Exercise or climbing- which one do you prefer? Selection of climbing place and types, Duration of climbing, is it tolerable or threatening for you! And Forethoughts- these are the points that I would like to discuss here.
Key Takeaways
- You can prefer climbing over exercise to get a new experience. Also, you can feel nature on that outdoor trip.
- Select your rock-climbing types and place plays a vital role here. According to your preferred climbing types, you should select a suitable place for that.
- How long you should continue climbing that unpredictable? For that, the expectant mother must listen to her body and mind as well.
- Few important things are there one must pay attention to before going climbing like- what to wear when to stop, asking the doctor, maintaining balance, and keeping yourself hydrated.
Can You Rock Climb While Pregnant?
I think those who are going to conceive and get pregnant, have this curiosity to know about rock climbing during this period.
I hope as a newbie in trying climbing while pregnant you might find the following topics helpful.
Exercise or Climbing
Exercising during pregnancy is quite a common phenomenon. Confused about choosing between climbing and exercise? Let me demonstrate both exercise and climbing to make you understand the concept. Thus, I am not saying that exercise is not preferable but if you are eager to try something new during that time then climbing would be the best option for you.
Climbing is a great help for a cardio workout if you choose it over exercise. In addition to that, the involvement of all of your body muscles would be a plus point, whereas one might go to the gym for a specific purpose only. The natural feel that you can experiment with during outdoor climbing is phenomenal. On the contrary, exercising in your home or gym might not give you the vibe to connect yourself with nature.
One more important thing is; we already know the symptoms that a pregnant woman experience at that time varies from person to person. It is pretty unpredictable how your body will react on your trimesters. So, your body, mental health, and situation- all these are equally important to take further discussion. Go for normal exercises such as Walking, doing yoga, Pilates, aerobics, swimming, etc. instead of climbing. Those are also essential for you. Finally, I would like to suggest you consult with your doctor before choosing between one of these.
Selection of Climbing Place and Types
Ready to climb? Done with the selection of your targeted place and climbing types? If not, then I have a few suggestions for you to make it easier.
Indoor
About the place, we already discussed that you can do rock climbing indoors. It is totally up to you whether you want to go outdoor climbing or indoors. You do not have to worry much during indoor climbing because there is a trainer for you to guide. Another benefit of trying indoors is, you will find other pregnant women to interact which may encourage and boost your mental strength as well. Trying bouldering indoors during your whole pregnancy period could be a fantastic idea to ignore outdoor hassles.
Outdoor
For outdoors, choose a suitable place where the risk of falling is less. Also, having a spotter (guide who assists you during bouldering) is a plus. You need not be an expert in choosing your climbing place. For first-time expectant mothers avoid climbing above 8500 feet and sleeping higher than 12000 feet. Again, try to be connected to the ground while bouldering as much as possible. Check all the possible websites to have a ballpark idea regarding climbing places during pregnancy.
Which types of climbing you should follow? Is that convenient enough for you? Here is the thing, Bouldering and top roping these two types are the most effective ways of climbing for both mother and child. Don’t forget to keep a crashing pad while bouldering! Make sure that you wear a customized full-body harness for smooth top roping.
Duration of climbing
Well, there is no particular timeline to decide how long one might do climbing. How many days or how many hours you want to continue depends on your physical condition. No matter what gives priority to your body. You should not push your limits against your will. One more thing to add, rock climbing is more beneficial than long workdays. Climbing or bouldering whichever way you are trying know your limits about when to stop.
I think we all know about the uncertainty during trimesters. For instance- vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, breathing issues, nausea, dizziness, etc. Hence, it is your first, second, or third trimester remember to avoid attempting actions that may be risky for you. As long as your doctor approves, keep climbing happily!
Is It Tolerable Or Threatening for You?
Climbing turns out beneficial or alarming- concern about that? I guess you already assumed the fact that it differs from one person to another. In this topic, I will be discussing both the good and harmful sides of climbing.
You will be glad to know that one of the bright sides of rock climbing is having a vaginal delivery. Even you will get rid of sleep disturbances because climbing will ensure better sleep too. As you have to involve almost all the body parts, your shoulder and arms will be working out during that time. Moreover, the enthusiasm and physical condition required to do rock climbing is not too much. One can easily try that if she is fit for it mentally and physically.
However, the vital changes that you experience during your pregnancy period are- weight gaining, mood swinging, heart or other critical physical problems. On that note, rock climbing is not for those who are physically weak and not mentally capable of taking such kinds of decisions.
Yet I would say, just leave the fact of climbing entirely on your body, cause your body knows what to do or not to do the most during pregnancy!
Forethoughts
The safety of you and your baby bump should be the first and foremost priority while pregnancy.
Again, let me point out a few things below that you might acknowledge before climbing:
What to wear?
Choose the best-fitted harness to support your bump. There are many customized harnesses you might find in the shop, specially made for expecting moms.
Ask doctor
Consult your doctor at every step during that time. Especially, know your body conditions and share your mental feelings before going climbing.
When to stop?
While climbing up, always keep in mind whether it is getting tiring for you. You can quit or pause whenever you want to. Do not need to overthink this matter.
Hydration
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough water. Cause during climbing heartbeat will increase and you may feel evaporated.
Balance
Maintaining balance is a must. Sleeping, having food and medicines, and taking rest- are mandatory for a pregnant lady while climbing.
FAQs
Is it safe to Boulder when pregnant?
Bouldering is only safe when you can prevent yourself from having any sort of fatal injury. Also, your spotter (helping hand) should give importance to you while climbing.
Which rock climbing should I go for?
Well, it depends upon you and your body’s stamina that it could stand. I think bouldering would be easier, unlike rope you do not have to climb a high altitude.
How often do I take the doctor’s advice during pregnancy climbing?
Before you start, consult your doctor to check your mental and physical stability. Again, you have the freedom to stop when you want to. On that note, no need to give pressure on yourself.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, climbing and pregnancy- both you can consider together as a good combination. Although there is no rush to decide on climbing. Think, work on it! And then start your journey.
Giving your body the utmost preference is a must. Then comes your mind! If you are not mentally ready to go climbing during that time, simply ignore it. Take alternative steps like exercise, yoga, and pilates. And if you have made up your mind to try this adventure at least once in your life then go for it!
Remember to take all the precautions before you begin. Be patient about choosing your climbing place and types also. Bouldering or top rope- whichever you choose, select your place with the advice of experts.
So, don’t wait as a new mother to feel this amazing journey of climbing with your baby bump. Because you and your upcoming child both can have this unique trip together.
