Horseback riding is a dangerous past time – my ass hurts just from writing this – but if you ride horses, I’m pretty sure you know that already. However, many women are able to safely ride horses during their pregnancies with some precautions.
First up, it's important to talk to your doctor or midwife before continuing with horseback riding. They can assess your individual health and pregnancy status and provide recommendations based on that. They may advise against horseback riding if you have any complications, such as placenta previa or a history of preterm labor.
According to a study published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine in 2009, there is a small risk of falls during horseback riding, which can cause injury to both the mother and fetus. However, this risk can be minimized by wearing the appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet and supportive shoes, and by riding at a slower pace and on well-trained horses. Frankly, falling off anything is never a great idea.
Another study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada in 2013 found that there is no significant increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm labor or low birth weight, among women who continue to ride horses during pregnancy.
In conclusion, horseback riding during pregnancy can be safe with a thumbs up from your healthcare provider and simple precautions to minimize the risk of falls and injury. Giddy up!
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