Playing Tennis In Pregnancy - Is It Dangerous?

Tennis is a one of those sports that some women play up until the end of their pregnancy, and a sport which other women swear off from the start of their pregnancy. Conflicting reports about playing games such as tennis can be confusing, but here are some guidelines that will help you to decide if playing tennis during your pregnancy is safe for you and your baby.

Before playing a potentialy dangerous sport during your pregnancy you may want to consult your doctor first. If your doctor feels that you should not engage in this sport during your pregnancy, then follow his or her guidelines. If you have never played tennis before, now is definitely not the time to start. If you have played tennis just a few times in your life, and you are not an avid tennis player, than you should not play tennis during your pregnancy either.

Tennis is a game which requires a lot of energy, fast reflexes, and balance. Your body does not have as much energy during your pregnancy, your reflexes may be slower, and your balance will definitely be off. There is chance that you may fall and hurt your self and your baby if decide to play tennis during your pregnancy; if your doctor okays you to play than you will need to listen to your body and decide what is safe for you and your baby.

Tennis is also a contact sport, and there is chance that the ball could hit you and injure you or your baby; again, if your doctor okays you to play during your pregnancy you will need to decide if you are comfortable with this possible risk.

Whenever you play a sport during your pregnancy, it is important to always warm up and cool down before and after the sport. Pregnant women should not overheat during pregnancy. Do not play in hot weather. Drink plenty of water, and if you feel dizzy or nauseated stop immediately. Always listen to your body, talk to your doctor, and weigh all the possible risks before you make a decision.