One of our most popular posts. If you’re expecting and wondering what this winter will look like for you, here’s inspiration from real ski moms along with some specific tips.
As you’ve probably heard, many doctors and midwives warn against activities such as skiing, surfing, and horseback riding during pregnancy. These activities are considered “risky” because of the risk of falling.
That said, there is a lot of evidence that a fit pregnancy is a healthier and happier pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of exercise during pregnancy include:
- Less back pain and discomfort
- More energy
- Better sleep
- Increased stamina and strength
- Happier moods and emotional stability
Staying active during pregnancy is a good thing — actually a great thing — for you and your baby.
(Looking for maternity base layers? Check out this review of Arctic Lynx)
Skiing While Pregnant: Words of Wisdom
- Each pregnancy and each mom-to-be is different. We all have different skill levels and different circumstances. If you want to ski during pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife. Come up with a plan that makes you both comfortable.
- It’s all about balance – your balance. Pregnancy changes your center of gravity and throws your balance off. Be aware of your body and how you feel.
- Avoid crowds. Your greatest risk may be being hit by another skier or snowboarder. Ski midweek. Ski at lunch. Ski at less crowded resorts.
- Dial it back. Plan to ski at about 50% of your ability. Don’t push yourself to exhaustion. Avoid bumps, breathe in the clean air and soak in the sunshine.
- Cold mountain air helps a lot with morning sickness. If you don’t want to downhill ski, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing and get outside!
- If you have doubts, sit out a run or a day and see how you feel next time. In the scheme of things, 40 weeks is a short time and you’ll have many ski days and ski seasons ahead.
Real Stories About Skiing When Pregnant
Alyssa’s Story (The Kid Project)
I skied during each of my pregnancies, from roughly three months to six months pregnant. The limiting factor for me was that at about 6 months, I no longer had ski clothing that fit. Then I switched from skiing to snowshoeing, wearing lots of fleece layers — all from my husband!
My doctor was okay with me skiing and asked me to stick to easy, comfortable terrain and away from crazy crowds. Of course, I had an appointment with a different doctor one day and she said, “Well, it isn’t like you’d do something stupid, like skiing while pregnant.”
I kept my mouth shut, smiled and nodded.
Lisa’s Story (Lisa Richardson Bylines)
It was my first pregnancy, a surprise at that, and I had no idea what to expect of motherhood. I felt a bit like I was on death row, only happier, in that every meal was my last meal, every adventure was my last adventure, every uninterrupted conversation was my last chance to hold onto a thread of dialogue until it was resolved.
That said, I figured I had better get as much skiing in as I could.
I skied every week until I was 34 weeks pregnant. I know people who skied right up until they went into labor, women who make a living on their skis – but I was happy to call it around then.
Jessica’s Story (Bring the Kids)
I have skied during all 4 of my pregnancies. I have taken it easier and easier with each pregnancy, not necessarily because my ability or confidence level had decreased but because I had more and more little kids that I needed to ski slow with and less “me time” on the hill along with that.
Getting out and enjoying a day on the hill is great even when pregnant. Even better, it sets you up with the attitude that you can still get out and have adventures once you have kids!
Ready for the Next Step?
- Skiing with Babies and Young Children
- More Than Gadgets: Learn to Ski Aids for Young Children
- What You Need to Know to Start Your Child Skiing or Snowboarding
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Alli says
I also skied during my pregnancy. I had to stop around 24 weeks as I was having a hard time staying hydrated. I ended up being on bed rest by 30 weeks, so I’m glad I was able to ski as long as I did.
braveskimom says
That’s really interesting. Sorry you had to be on bed rest, but you’re right, at least you had memories of skiing to fall back on! Thanks so much!
Amelia says
I XC skied until 39 weeks….though the last few weeks were considerably less distances and all flat terrain. Just happy to be out there!
braveskimom says
Being out there is so important, whether it’s out there on xc skis, out there on a bike, out there on a walking trail or just out in fresh air relaxing! I remember right before our 2nd son was born, we spent a flying kites with our then 2 year-old. It was windy and cold, but we had so much fun. Good to be out there!
Amber Rocque says
I also skied, and taught skiing during my pregnancy. It’s not a sport to take up while pregnant, but if you are a strong, confident skier and have good balance while pregnant ( some individuals may have balance issues while pregnant) then why not? It was exhilarating to be able to move faster than “a walk” and some fantastic fun exercise! Plus, my baby loved it, she was still while I was skiing as she liked the rocking movement but kicked like mad when I stopped or while waiting in the lift line! Plus we love to tell her that she was skiing before she was born! But I made sure that I skied gentler terrain, only skied when it was less busy and stayed in as the hill got busier in the afternoons. I skied until I was about 36 weeks!
braveskimom says
That’s a great story! I love that your daughter was skiing before she was born! I’m sure that will someday be inspiring to her, too! Take care and thanks again!
Jen says
I love the advice here -simple but accurate and the women you profiled. As a pregnant mama that likes to ride my mountain bike on trails I have the same concerns. One thing I noticed on my last ride is that you have to let go of your ego. I stopped to walk my bike 3 times because my heart rate was either too high or because I was not comfortable riding over something.
It seems to me the answer is within but the more we can profile women like the above the better it will be for future mamas. While I admire women that can still run marathons, bike like normal, ski patrol in their 3rd trimester etc…I think the majority of women would benefit from seeing a more moderate approach to staying healthy and involved in the sport they love while pregnant.
Pregnancy is not a disease but for me it is a special time to cherish. If that means skiing, biking, running etc then great or maybe it means allowing yourself some space to relax and not try to be your ‘normal’ self.
braveskimom says
Pregnancy is a special time and that is one thing I loved about it: time to give your self space to relax without guilt! Yahoo! Funny, because we should always be able to do that, but it can be hard to set boundaries.
Best wishes for the remainder of your pregnancy! BTW, I’m always getting on and off my bike…maybe we can bike together while you’re pregnant and I can keep up!
Lisa Richardson says
I think you’re bang-on, Jen. (Appreciated your insights.) Happy trails!
Suzi Smart says
I loved skiing when I was pregnant and it always felt like my son did while in the womb. It always felt like he settled down low in my hips, giving me great balance, and was sitting back going going “wee”! (The rest of the time he was constantly doing acrobatics on my ribs) – he was on his own skis before he was 2
braveskimom says
And there you have it! The mom that skis while pregnant gives birth to a young skier! Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great!
Thomas Cook says
My wife found that the relaxin (hormone that among other things loosens ligaments in the pelvis) also made things loose when skiing. It was only noticeable after the first pregnancy. By about 6-7 months she was avoiding steeps and bumps.
It is also the only time I can out-ski her.
braveskimom says
Thanks Thomas! That’s good to know. And you are a good husband for admitting the truth about her skiing. Cheers!
Deborah Boden says
When I was about six months I asked my OB if I could ski, and he asked in a shocked voice “for the first time!?” No, I’ve been skiing since I was 11! “Oh, if that’s the case, it’s fine if you feel comfortable, just take it easy”. So we planned a weekend babymoon and I managed to squeeze into a pair of ski pants and borrowed a jacket that I could zip… down side was early exhaustion, no après ski and no hot tub. But I still tell my baby girl that she has been skiing since the womb!
braveskimom says
I love this story! Glad you had fun and the family continues to ski together!
April Whitney says
My physician was all for what she called ‘sensible skiing’. Fortunately, my ski area is shockingly uncrowded with really good snow conditions, so I skied through my 6th month, avoiding tight trees and opting out of CatSkiing, which is hard but kept me from making bad decisions. I dialed back my speed and opted out on a few spring days when conditions were less than stellar. I would have lost my mind had I not skied that winter. To be fair, I work at a ski resort and skiing is a huge part of my job, so I’m a bit of an outlier. My physician skis (well) so I think there’s a bit of a different perspective. Like any physical activity, skiing is more dangerous for beginners than for those who do it almost daily.
braveskimom says
Two really smart things here: 1) avoiding situations which might bring both temptation and bad decision making and 2) the more experienced you are, the better.
Thanks!
Kristen Haaijer says
My physician said absolutely not. He said it had nothing to do with me but the other skiers and boarders around me that concerned him.
So I had all my kids around December so I didn’t miss a season. Seemed good in theory except with the holidays, birthdaypalooza is a little nuts.
braveskimom says
Other skiers and riders can be a risk factor. Best to choose less crowded times and days, or ski areas!