Introduction
Playing tennis has been proven as an effective way to improve aerobic capabilities, boost the metabolism rate, increase overall cardiac health and get rid of body fat. Given these wonderful benefits, it should be no surprise why many people are eager to engage in this sport.
But if you are expecting, the situation may change a little. There is specific advice related to which activities a pregnant woman should attend and whatnot. Whether to play tennis while pregnant is the question that this article sets out to address today. Are you in? Let’s go!
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Can You Play Tennis While Pregnant?
Yes, you can still rock the tennis court when you are carrying a baby.
However, most doctors would recommend you to stop this practice when you hit the latter half of the second and the third trimester, as the developed weight makes it more difficult for you to move swiftly without causing any harm.
So, it is best that you stick to tennis within the first few months of the pregnancy, then gradually dial down the frequency.
What Are The Benefits Of Playing Tennis While Having Baby?
This sport is considered a low-risk sport, making it highly accessible and suitable for women who want to work on their well-being. For pregnant women, in particular, playing this sport can bring about various advantages.
- Reduce body discomfort: Changes in hormones lead to muscle sore, back pain, and leg cramps.
Without some light exercises, you may have to suffer from these symptoms for weeks. A quick round of tennis a few times per week can be soothing for the ache.
- Better mood: Women undergo a lot of stress and tension while expecting, which causes a strain on their mental health.
Playing sports moderately will stimulate the release of endorphins, also known as “happy” substances that keep depression away. Thus, you are more likely to feel calm and relaxed.
- Prevent cardiovascular illnesses: Physical exertion pushes blood flow to your heart and raises the threshold of how strong your circulatory system can be.
Can you imagine the sheer agony of screaming in the labor room when your heart just wants to give up? Preparing beforehand with a few activities day by day sure will make pregnant women more able to sail through birth-giving.
What To Notice If You Want To Play Tennis While Having Baby?
We have established that it is relatively safe for expectant women to play tennis, at least during their first trimester. But it does not come without a checklist. For the sake of both yourself and the baby, make sure to follow these precautions.
- Consult the doctors: Even if you are perfectly capable of a match, there is no reason why you should not ask the experts for suggestions.
Your doctors might be aware of some underlying problems that you have yet to know. So, do not jump at tennis without visiting your OB-GYN first.
- Listen closely to the body: Your body may react differently now that you have another human being inside your belly. Therefore, do not ignore any potential red flags that may turn into serious problems.
Be on the outlook for any sign of headache, dizziness, swelling, etc. When you think you have an issue, stop immediately.
- Avoid extreme weather conditions: For pregnant women, the best revenue for playing tennis should be indoor courts.
Or, if you want some fresh air, make sure the temperature is chill enough and your court has plenty of shades to move around. Overheating when it is scorching is not a pleasant experience for your baby.
- Warm-up and cool down properly: It might be tempting to skip stretching before and after the game, especially when you only want a short match.
But failure to get ready for the game is the number one reason behind body cramps, which can be exacerbated with the presence of pregnancy hormones.
- Drink water frequently: Remember to keep your body hydrated throughout the game, as water is essential to the well-being of both the mother and the child.
- Choose a partner wisely: If you face up against a player with quick reflexes and exceptional skills, you can easily get carried away and pour out your best.
- Struggling to keep up with the speedy maneuvers may result in falling, slipping, or twisting your ankles. Hence, it is better to play with an amateur, or someone willing to lower their expertise to match with yours.
FAQs
1. When should a pregnant woman stop playing tennis?
You should stop as soon as you feel like there is something wrong with the body, such as irregular aches or pain. But even when everything is normal, it is recommended that mothers-to-be take a break on all types of sports when they reach their 4th month and beyond.
2. What sports should I avoid while pregnant?
You must not play any sports that may affect the belly directly.
Conclusion
Deciding to play tennis while pregnant is not as dangerous as it first appears. As long as you are serious about the aforementioned precautions, feel free to have a go at the court. If you have any other expecting friends who happen to enjoy this sport, send them this article right away!
Further Reading
Is It Safe To Play Tennis During Pregnancy?
How Far Into My Pregnancy Can I Play Tennis
Serena Williams May Be Pregnant: How Safe is Tennis In Pregnancy?
