Practising when pregnant

Discussion in 'General Martial Arts Discussion' started by AJhungGa, Nov 14, 2017.

  1. AJhungGa

    AJhungGa New Member

    Hello everyone.

    I have been practising kung fu for about a year and a half now. I absolutely love it but I have just found out that I’m pregnant. It is extremely early days, a few weeks only, so I haven’t told many people yet.
    Is it safe to continue practising? If so, for how long? Surely I can still do the forms as long as I possibly can but steer clear of any sparring or drills? And should I speak to my teacher about it straight away?
    Any advice greatly appreciated if you have been in this situation or know someone who has.
    Thanks
     
  2. Dead_pool

    Dead_pool Spes mea in nihil Deus MAP 2017 Moi Award

    Exercise in pregnancy - Pregnancy and baby guide - NHS Choices

    General exercise guidence ^

    Personally although some people do carry on doing lots of dangerous activities, i would stick to solo form practise only, with no sparring what so ever. And be very careful with stretching, or anything that risks falls.
     
  3. Latikos

    Latikos Valued Member

    Never been in a situation like this, but: Personally I would tell the teacher right away.

    My teachers like to take me as a partner when showing techniques; if that's the case with you as well, they might feel better knowing about it, so they won't chose you to partner up or act accordingly (for example: If there is a punch in the stomach involved, they might prefer to know your pregnant, so they don't show that on you for obvious reasons.)

    Similar with sparring: They might chose you to show something aside from actual sparring, that might involve a hit to the stomach.
    Or throwing you onto the ground.

    Just my two pence, as I don't have actual experience in it.
     
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  4. Dead_pool

    Dead_pool Spes mea in nihil Deus MAP 2017 Moi Award

    Seconded!
     
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  5. Pretty In Pink

    Pretty In Pink Moved on MAP 2017 Gold Award

    I knew a woman who was hitting pads at like 7 months. No sparring but shed hold pads and everything.
     
  6. axelb

    axelb Master of Office Chair Fu

    The advice I have seen is that you can continue as long as the exercise is not strenuous and your body is established at it for some time before becoming pregnant.

    Definitely no sparring or any danger of contact is right out, that includes pad holding, like kick sheilds or Thai pads.
     
  7. Dead_pool

    Dead_pool Spes mea in nihil Deus MAP 2017 Moi Award

    Its definitely not worth the risk. One bad fall, or one strike to the abdomen is all it can take.
     
  8. Simon

    Simon Administrator Admin Supporter MAP 2017 Koyo Award

    I asked one of my guys (a PT) this question yesterday.

    He said no isometric exercises, as the increase blood pressure.

    Other than that he said you can keep on training, just listen to your body.

    You are in a contact sport, so common sense hopefully prevails.
     
  9. AJhungGa

    AJhungGa New Member

    This is great advice guys, thanks to all of you.
    x
     
  10. Smitfire

    Smitfire Cactus Schlong

    Careful with any stretching. My missus developed SPD during pregnancy and could barely walk some days. Your body will be changing and you may not realise it until something goes clunk.
    Personally I'd stick to forms, pelvic floor exercises, plenty of walking and perhaps turning up to class to watch and stay connected.
    9 months will fly by so best to put KF to one side a bit I'd say.

    Oh and congrats!
     
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  11. Travess

    Travess The Welsh MAPper Supporter

    I'll reinforce this point - My wife had SPD during both of her pregnancies, to the point that she required crutches just to get from A to B, which (she was informed) was due to 'over use' during her 2nd trimester - She was never a Martial Artist mind you, but she was a social dog walker, going out in groups for hours on end, sometimes 5/6 times a week.

    Take it slow, take it steady, and don't be afraid to just take a big step back (figuratively speaking)

    Travess
     
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  12. Adrastia

    Adrastia Valued Member

    Hi, congratulations on your wonderful news!! Here are some knowledgeable sources /.links - women with actual experience, not speculation. I trained in Judo, Aikido and Shuri-ryu karate, never pregnant myself, but training with other women who were. From them - recommendation is to tell your Ob-Gyn that you are in active training in a vigorous sport first (such as soccer) - then educate them about your practice. Few MDs know much about MA and may be fearful unnecessarily and you can answer their questions. You may have some relevant existing condition that makes activity more complicated and your MD should know. Your instructor should know also - and he (or she) may not know anything about pregnancy. So you can educate them too. MA activity may be a plus - you are active regularly and that's good. Lots of women are training and pregnancy is a normal part of life so there's more understanding today. You can google search (pregnancy and martial arts training) and find lots more.

    One of the BEST resources for us is NWMAF, (National Women's Martial Arts Federation); a community by and for women in the martial arts. Long experience, welcoming to all ages and styles National Women's Martial Arts Federation - Home and on Facebook: National Women's Martial Arts Federation.

    * 10 Rules for Doing Pregnant Karate Lots of great information at this site, Laurel is mother of 3 and BB.

    * Emily Kwok on Navigating Pregnancy in the BJJ World
    This links to a great interview with Emily Kwok; she is an instructor and competitive in BJJ . She's interviewed by another MA woman,
    Sally Arsenault Coach - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA. These are 2 women who know MA and pregnancy. In the interview are pictures of Emily training while pregnant, and of her training w/her baby girl, Saya near her. Also a cute photo of Saya in her "Born to Roll" onesie!

    Please feel free to PM me if you like, good luck and have a wonderful time :- >
    w/respect A
     
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  13. Ben Gash CLF

    Ben Gash CLF Valued Member

    My wife did pads and low intensity drilling until she was about 5 months with our first
     

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