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Is skiing or another snow sport not recommended when you're pregnant? What are the risks, and up to what point in pregnancy is skiing still an option?
Is skiing or another snow sport not recommended when you're pregnant? What are the risks, and up to what point in pregnancy is skiing still an option?
Here are a few tips.
Is skiing not recommended during pregnancy?
A stay in the mountains can be a great time to rest and relax. However, during pregnancy, physical activities such as skiing are only advisable if you take a number of factors into account and take certain precautions. The most serious risks during pregnancy are vaginal bleeding, premature labour, or placental insufficiency.
While there is always some risk before the fourth month of pregnancy, from the fourth month onwards, it is generally not advisable to take part in intense sport or physical activity (such as alpine skiing or snowboarding).
For activities that require less physical or respiratory effort (e.g. gentle cross-country skiing or walking), the limit is usually set at 6 or 7 months.
In any case, avoid (high) mountain areas beyond the 7th month of pregnancy.
What precautions should you take?
- More than ever, pay attention to your state of health; don't take up sporting activities if your health doesn't allow it or if your pregnancy is causing you discomfort.
- Pace yourself. Think of sport as a form of relaxation, not as an activity where you need to break records. Make sure you rest enough and don't seek out difficulty.
- It's advisable not to go to places at an altitude above 2,000 m, as the air is thinner there. The lower oxygen levels can affect both you and your baby. Also make sure you don't experience too many altitude changes during your stay (visiting higher or lower areas, certain ski lifts, etc.).
- Make sure you don't get cold. Bring things to drink and eat regularly.
- Obviously, you must avoid falls and collisions at all costs. Don't forget that your centre of gravity is different during pregnancy, which can make falling more likely.
- Stop any effort immediately if you feel dizzy or unwell. Don't take any risks.
A few tips
In any case: ask your GP or gynaecologist for advice! Tell them about your holiday plans and the activities you'd like to do. The recommendations above are general guidelines, and every individual case is different.
- Take the precautions listed above into account.
- Instead of skiing, enjoy a stay in the snow somewhere below 2,000 m where you can relax (e.g. at a wellness centre) or do a "risk-free" activity while your companions head down the slopes.
- Take into account any pregnancy-related exclusions listed in your travel assistance contract.
