2023-08-11 11:13:16
Can you ride a horse while pregnant? Until when ?
“During pregnancy, it is important to be carefulwhatever the sport, recalls Priscille Le Grelle, federal doctor of the French Riding Federation. At the same time, it is important to keep moving! “But if the woman didn’t go horseback riding before she was pregnant, pregnancy isn’t necessarily the best time to get started! »says Anh-Chi Ton, a midwife.
As for those who were already riding horses for leisure, can they continue? ” A pregnant woman can reasonably do horseback riding up to 4 to 5 months of pregnancybelieves Dr. Le Grelle. Then there is a problem of discomfort. And the midwife adds: “After the second trimester of pregnancy, the center of gravity changes, which can increase the risk of chute, as well as that of suffering from sciatica. On the other hand, there is no discomfort on the side of the future baby because it floats in the amniotic liquid. »
And for more comfort for the pregnant woman, “It is advisable to wear a sports bra for a good chest support », advocates Dr. Le Grelle. From the third or fourth week of pregnancy, the pregnant woman may feel tension in the chest due to hormonal changes. On the other hand, the pregnancy belt and the dorsal are not necessary, “because if you ride a horse, you’re fine!” »recalls the doctor.
It also depends on the type of practice. If it is not a question of doing competition or show jumping, ride a horse for his pleasure is not a problem. ” The pregnant horse practice on account ofone hour 1 to 3 times a weekriding walking or trotting, or in the open air on a walk provides pleasure, relaxation and allows you to mobilize your body while discovering your environment”, explains Dr Le Grelle.
On the other hand, unlike certain sports such as tennis, swimming, running… horse riding does not involve a great deal of energy expenditure.
Pregnant horse riding: what contraindications?
If the practice of horse riding is not contraindicated in pregnant women in good health, there are nevertheless contraindications to be observed. Dr. Priscille Le Grelle lists them:
In addition to these proven contraindications to the practice of horse riding during pregnancy, you must, in any case, be attentive to your body and your well-being. « Horseback riding should be stopped in case of bleeding, pelvic pain, contractions », warn the doctor. And Anh-Chi Ton, midwife, adds: “you should know that each jerk on the saddle can weaken the perineum, even lead to urinary leakage, the belly of the pregnant woman exerting pressure downwards. »
When to resume riding after giving birth?
Not immediately ! There perineal rehabilitation must be completed before remounting. “Perineal rehabilitation does not start until about 6 weeks after childbirthsays the midwife. And, ideally, it is good to continue with abdominal rehabilitation to further limit the risk of urinary leakage and prolapse. Which, in this case, does not allow not return to riding before 5 months after giving birth. »
What about cesarean delivery? “As after any abdominal surgery, you must first seek the advice of your doctor before riding, and wait at least 3 months », advises Dr. Le Grelle.
Anyway, the resumption of sporting activity must be done gradually : “Half an hour at a walk to start before increasing the duration and intensity, so as to see how his body reacts and in order to resume the interrupted relationship with his horse”explains Dr. Le Grelle.
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