Pregnancy & Baby Index: Pregnancy - Fitness: Is there any reason to stop playing competitive volleyball during pregnancy?
Is there any reason to stop playing competitive volleyball during pregnancy?
Lisa Stone
If you play contact sports, you may want to find out more before continuing to play while pregnant. Lisa Stone, an ACE-certified Pre-and Post-Natal Fitness Instructor, discusses the dangers of contact sports.
Your question
Is there any reason to stop playing competitive volleyball during pregnancy? - Sadie in Toronto
The expert answers
The risk of trauma to your abdomen is pretty great with
competitive volleyball, so, yes, I'd say that's a reason to stop.
Have you discussed this issue with your healthcare provider?
What are her/his thoughts?
Non-contact sports are generally OK
to continue, at least part-way through pregnancy. However,
volleyball can get very high-contact, both in terms of getting
hit with the ball and falling onto your belly as you dive for a
shot.
Maybe you can continue practicing with your partner or
team on a modified basis throughout your pregnancy, then resume
competitive play after Junior arrives.
Remember: your goal here
is to have a healthy pregnancy and grow a healthy baby, and this
is just one of many sacrifices you'll be making for this child!
Lisa :)