Is it still safe to play badminton (or any sport) while pregnant?

@slash23 (102)
Philippines
November 12, 2008 12:54am CST
Are there moms out there who tried engaging in sports while they were pregnant? Thought of playing badminton in my 1st trimester. Will just stop if my tummy gets big. ;-) Anyway, will be asking my doctor too for advice. Just wanted to hear from the "been there, done that" moms from myLot. :)
2 people like this
6 responses
@kaka135 (14921)
• Malaysia
13 Nov 08
I've asked my doctor regarding this question when I first get pregnant, she told me if I've been exercising all along, then it's fine to continue doing those exercises, but mild exercises, not to stretch yourself too hard. Swimming and walking are good choices. I don't know about playing badminton, unless you don't jump and run at all. I've heard that it's very easy to have miscarriage in the 1st trimester, as the placenta hasn't well developed yet, and the baby didn't really get full protection yet. Thus, during 1st trimester, pregnant women really have to be extra careful. Well, I did plan to do some mild exercises, such as swimming during my pregnancy. But I was bleeding for a period due to walking too much or being too tired in my 1st trimester, then I felt scared and stopped all these thoughts about sports. Doctor said, this depends on individually too, some pregnant women walk a lot, but they are fine with it.
9 Jan 12
Hi Guys, I am about 5 weeks pregnant and asked my doctor if i can continue playing badminton. He said it was fine to do so if i have been doing all along anyway. Its just contact sports that you have to be careful from - ie: something that causes you to fall or have direct trauma to your stomach!!! Although my doctor said it was okay i am very weary and perhaps will not play as often or as intesely as i have done.
@jammyt (2818)
• Philippines
12 Nov 08
Dear, my two cents worth (and for your baby), do NOT engage in sports SPECIALLY during the 1st trimester. This is the most delicate part of the pregnancy because you are not yet sure if the fetus is holding well. If you engage yourself in sports, you might lose the baby. Better put off your sports until after you give birth. Ask your Ob. Most doctors would advise you to do the same... for the baby's safety.
@zalilame (880)
• Malaysia
12 Nov 08
It is definitely a no no. I had friends who had miscarriage just by playing netball for a few minutes and some of them lose the baby caused by long distance driving every day. I'm sure the doctor will say the same too. Better be careful than be sorry later.
• Singapore
12 Nov 08
I personally did not engage in strenuous sports. I prefer to brisk walk. I walk a lot during my pregnancy. I walk from the train station to my work place. At work, I climb up and down the stairs. I stand a bit too becasue of work. I think you should engage in light exercises like stretching, walking, yoga or pilates. BUt there is one form of exercise you can do throughout your pregnancy - swimming. But remember to ask for your doctor's advice before you start on any exercise regime during your pregnancy. Take care!
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
12 Nov 08
I don't think it is safe for play any sport that needs to run or exert much effort. That might lead to miscarriage. It's okay to engage in walking though and even encouraged but to engage in sports which will require you to do rigorous running or jumping might be harmful. It's okay to play badminton for as long as you don't run after the ball so much. But I doubt it if you will enjoy the game if you are not going to exert much effort.
@gerelyn (36)
• Philippines
12 Nov 08
i am not yet a mother and even got pregnant. but for me, i think it is not safe for pregnant women to play any kind of sports. they focus only to their unborn child, although the doctor advise to have some exercise, still it's only light and simple one. so pregnant women stay away from sports that will cost you to much stress while in delicate stage of your life.......
• Germany
12 Nov 08
There are many pregnancy books suggest that swimming is very good for pregnant woman. I'm not sure playing badminton is good or not, but since it needs you to run here and there, i think it's better not to do so. I think running may lead to miscarriage. You may walk too.