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?
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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 :)PregnancyAndBaby.com



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About the author: Lisa Stone, ACE-certified pre- & post-natal fitness specialist, is the creator of Fit For 2, a pre- & post-natal fitness program. The mother of three, she is also the producer of the Fit For 2 Step Aerobic Workout For Pregnancy video. For information on Fit For 2 classes or the video, call 770.509.8078, or check out her site at FitFor2.com. Copyright © Lisa Stone.

Notice: This forum is for educational purposes only, and addresses only non-urgent questions of a general nature. If you are concerned about your health or your baby's health, please consult your family's health care provider immediately. This information is not a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions can be answered.

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