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phlsphr
Feb 20, 2006, 3:49 AM
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A couple of nights ago at my local gym I saw a sight I thought I'd never see. A couple was climbing together. Both were strong climbers. What was amazing is that she was at least 7 months pregnant. She was toproping hard 10's, and belaying her partner on some harder stuff. I noticed while she belayed it seemed she had her belay device pulled to the side. Her waistbelt went below her very protruding belly. Still, it seemed that a fall while climbing or even belaying would yank her harness up in a potentially hazardous way. I know the fetus is amazingly protected by the amniotic fluid, but was this ok, medically? I'm surprised the gym let her climb, liability wise.
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sbaclimber
Feb 20, 2006, 4:15 AM
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Return2Sender also has a clip of a very pregnant lady toproping routes that I would normally struggle to get up (5.10ish)! I will have to look at the DVD at home to find out her name.
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hosh
Feb 20, 2006, 5:07 AM
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My wife's 6 months right now and she's not going to be climbing until at least after the kid's outta there. Just don't think it's a good idea.
hosh.
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nola_angie
Feb 20, 2006, 5:08 AM
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Dunno. If she's pulling 5.10s while preggers, chances are she's a serious enough climber to have given it some thought and talked to her OB/GYN about it. THere have been articles in 'She Sends' about this that support climbing during pregnancy. There are a million threads in the ladies room about this. Really, tho, I think as long as it's an informed decision, it's up to the climber.
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sh00tingst4r
Feb 20, 2006, 6:38 AM
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seems selfish to endanger the well being of your unborn child to climb.
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jwood
Feb 20, 2006, 9:49 AM
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At least she wasn't driving. I see pregnant chicks do that shit all the time. Endangering the unborn ones is so selfish.
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omegaprime
Feb 20, 2006, 11:03 AM
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In reply to: At least she wasn't driving. I see pregnant chicks do that s--- all the time. Endangering the unborn ones is so selfish.
Please forgive my ignorance, but could someone please elaborate how this is a danger to the person or the unborn baby? Only problem I can see is if there was an accident, but then again in the event of an accident, no one is really spared. So how do you propose "pregnant chicks" get around town? Walk and take public transport?
Just hiked with 5 month pregnant lady a few weeks back, we were using snowshoes to hike up a mountain. To most people I know, that is a big no-no, but then again for others, it seems quite natural.
Having said that, if I have a pregnant wife, I'd be very protective so late in the pregnancy. But that's just me.
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alleyehave
Feb 20, 2006, 11:17 AM
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Belly jam, now theres an idea.
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goob3r
Feb 20, 2006, 11:21 AM
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I'm personally tired with the stupid froo froo, biscuits and tea approach to life a lot of people take when it comes to "safety" and life in general. I won't elaborate on that too much, but basically.. yeah.. lets face it, contemporary society's grown soft .. everyone's a princess or prince, everyone's got "conditions" and what's worse is that everyone wants to have a say in why you should or should not do dis or dat. Anyway I'm done bitchin.
If a pregger wants to hike or climb, then by all means let her do it, just don't be stupid! If they get stupid and something happens, well that's just another point for Darwin now isn't it?.. but if everything works out, the endorphines released by the mum might just condition the child to be more active.. seeking physical stimulus.. and.. wait, what is this? possibly reduce the risk of obeisity?? oh my.. who would have thought..
http://www.moviestarsmovies.com/Images/ChuckNorris.jpg
You think his mom spent 9 months laying back, taking it easy? I rest my case...
I love the climbing community... flame away! :!:
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jwood
Feb 20, 2006, 11:22 AM
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I'm sorry I didn't make my sarcasm more clear. I think it's rediculous to expect women to shelter themselves during pregnancy. I doubt that top-roping is much, if at all more dangerous than driving. Why is this viewed as irresponsible or selfish?
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omegaprime
Feb 20, 2006, 11:36 AM
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In reply to: I'm sorry I didn't make my sarcasm more clear. I think it's rediculous to expect women to shelter themselves during pregnancy. I doubt that top-roping is much, if at all more dangerous than driving. Why is this viewed as irresponsible or selfish?
Yes... must practice more, young grasshopper. Your sarcasm lacks the power it needs. :wink:
I'd agree, its all about how much risk is acceptable. Do what you think is appropriate, taking into account all the factors involved.
Actually, where I come from some women are still restricted from doing quite a lot of things when they're pregnant, even driving. Its one old traditions still practiced. I still don't get that one. :roll:
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alleyehave
Feb 20, 2006, 11:37 AM
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In reply to: I'm personally tired with the stupid froo froo, biscuits and tea approach to life a lot of people take when it comes to "safety" and life in general. I won't elaborate on that too much, but basically.. yeah.. lets face it, contemporary society's grown soft .. everyone's a princess or prince, everyone's got "conditions" and what's worse is that everyone wants to have a say in why you should or should not do dis or dat. Anyway I'm done b----. If a pregger wants to hike or climb, then by all means let her do it, just don't be stupid! If they get stupid and something happens, well that's just another point for Darwin now isn't it?.. but if everything works out, the endorphines released by the mum might just condition the child to be more active.. seeking physical stimulus.. and.. wait, what is this? possibly reduce the risk of obeisity?? oh my.. who would have thought.. http://www.moviestarsmovies.com/Images/ChuckNorris.jpg You think his mom spent 9 months laying back, taking it easy? I rest my case... I love the climbing community... flame away! :!:
Key phrase "just don't be stupid! If they get stupid"...
What your perception of stupid may not be that of anothers... And this whole increase in endorphines in the mother carrying an unborn child being related to obesity is the most far-fetched idea ive heard since the Jehova Witnesses saying the end of the world was to occur in the 70s..then the 80s, then the 9...then dis or dat...
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goob3r
Feb 20, 2006, 11:46 AM
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But who are you to judge...
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alleyehave
Feb 20, 2006, 11:49 AM
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In reply to: But who are you to judge... |
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epoch
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Feb 20, 2006, 12:13 PM
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Our OB told us that it is ok to continue with our regular exercise regime, however when I had brought up climbing she kind of winced. The OB is a climber and really wasn't for climbing while pregnant due to the forces put on the body while wearing a harness. The risk for falling out increases in the later months as the belly shows more and a harness is worn lower.
Furthermore, lead climbing is a big no no... if I can generate 8.5 kn on a 10 foot fall and most of the time it really isn't all that soft of a catch, then think of the forces generated on a fetus suspended in embriotic fluid? It would be similar to slamming on the brakes with a full car and no one wearing seatbelts. (If you cannot relate, get your dog, put him/her in the front seat of your car and accelerate.. Slam on the brakes and see what happens.) <<---Most people won't do that becaust they believe that it is cruel. Now think baby...
I would say that it is reasonably safe durring the first trimester because the fetus hasn't exited the hips. After that, I would highly reccomend not to climb. I don't take clients out if they are pregnant, irregardless of how far along they are. There is too much at risk. Take the time off and focus on the new member of your family and his/her safety. God knows how overprotective you will be anyways...
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goob3r
Feb 20, 2006, 12:19 PM
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In reply to: In reply to: But who are you to judge... The bullsh*t doesn't drop far from the steer's arse.
:boring:
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rockguide
Feb 20, 2006, 1:17 PM
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Climbing in a harness later in pregnancy can put the baby at risk - apparently full body harnesses are better for distributing the load more safely.
But in the end ... Mom makes the decision in conjunction with her medical professional(s).
I am uncomfortable with watching a pregnant woman drinking (seen it) or smoking (seen it, a lot) but I do not go correcting people on what to do with their bodies unless they ask (and they don't) or there is a friendship/professional responsibility.
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acacongua
Feb 20, 2006, 3:51 PM
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I've talked to women about this who have healthy babies and climbed through their entire pregnancy. They all climbed as their body permitted and one said that her doc OKed a regular harness. They stuck to TRing, of course.
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nevenneve
Feb 21, 2006, 7:53 PM
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Being an uneducated single male with little responsibilities in life, I can assuredly tell you that the human race has not gotten this far by coddling anything but the troubled pregnancies. Give a little thought to that anasazi logo on your shoes. Much less our closer relationship to settlers two hundred years ago. Once again an uniformed opinion, but I would take a much stronger stance on ultrasound's and the proliferation of baby Mozart and its like.
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veganboyjosh
Feb 21, 2006, 8:32 PM
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i don't see the problem with climbing while pregnant.
falling while pregnant may present some issues.
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aimeerose
Feb 21, 2006, 8:50 PM
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Heather Sagar bouldered up to 10 days before she delivered. So, I think climbing late in pregnancy is safe as long as you are smart about it. She only bouldered inside and didn't risk falling. I plan to climb as long as I possibly can when I am pregnant. No leading, of course, and if I feel like I need to get a full body harness I will. I will definately be one of those women you see out there 6-7 months pregnant top-roping 10s. I'll make sure to take lots of pics to post for everyone ;)
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klippa_klattra
Feb 22, 2006, 5:47 AM
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This exact same issue comes up in the running circle all the time. The debate of if women should or should not run throughout pregnancy. Research shows that running through the pregnancy but "taking it a little easier than normal" especially during later months, is very good for the baby. Women tend to deliver healthier stronger babies when they maintain their fitness throughout the entire pregnancy.
that said. I think someday when I start having children, I will probably keep climbing, but I will only climb what I am super comfortable on as to avoid falls. its really not the climbing that is dangerous to the baby as much as the falling and having that harness ... ouch....aaahhh.... poor baby...
I would imagine that climbing after a certain point might become a bit harder to do especially as that belly protrudes further and further out... I suppose its all up to the person climbing, but women take it a bit far sometimes and while the climbing its self is ok what happens if you do fall? it just cant be good for the baby. I would also hope that any woman climbing at any point in pregnancy has talked with her husband/father of the child about it also.
Even if I do take the last few months off from climbing, I'll run till I deliver!
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bloodyhands
Feb 22, 2006, 6:35 AM
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Mom lead a 5.12 trad climb when she was 9 months pregnant with me. Half way up, at a manky rest stance, she gave birth to me, hitched a sling around my torso, and used me as off-width pro.
Sufficeless to say, I turned of fine.
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veganboyjosh
Feb 22, 2006, 8:55 AM
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In reply to: Sufficeless to say, I turned of fine.
obviously.
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aimeerose
Feb 22, 2006, 7:33 PM
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klippa_klattra- What happens if you fall running? That can't be good for the baby either. Personally, I'd be more likely to fall running than climbing. If I'm in a full body harness on top-rope, I can't see how a fall could hurt the baby.
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brutusofwyde
Feb 22, 2006, 8:19 PM
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Nurse Ratchet helped establish a climb called "Midwife Crisis."
Seems like a lot of folks these days like to decide what's best for others.
Sad.
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majesticmoose
Feb 22, 2006, 8:28 PM
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When my wife (now 9 mos) talked to our Dr. about climbing he recommended against it for the aforementioned reasons (harness fit, etc). He said that in a fall there would be a risk of a ruptured uterus (OUCH).
What I was most surprised while talking to our Dr. was that my wife was not the first to inquire about climbing. The first woman to do it also inquired about jumping her dirt bike.
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forkliftdaddy
Feb 22, 2006, 8:44 PM
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There are some badass moms in the world. More power to 'em.
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climbsomething
Feb 22, 2006, 8:44 PM
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Nice to know that, ahem, other people want to "protect" women and their fetii from such harsh things as toproping or gentle bouldering. On behalf of the vaginal kind, I thank you.
My mom doesn't want me to climb anyway, and yeah, she'd bitch too if I tied in while preggers, but if and when I am pregnant you'll see a bulging little girl in a full-body harness flailing on 9s like the rest of y'all.
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rockprodigy
Feb 22, 2006, 9:55 PM
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It's seems obvious to me that you shouldn't use a normal harness while "very" preggers.
Fortunately Petzl makes a nice full body harness (like the kids wear) that leaves a nice big hole where the big belly goes. My wife used this setup into her 7th month, and as far as I can tell, our kid isn't screwed up.
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aimeerose
Mar 10, 2006, 7:46 PM
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Just wanted to let everyone know that Melissa Easton, at 7 month pregnant, just took 2nd in the intermediate category at the Hueco Rock Rodeo a few weekends ago. She was climbing and topping out V3 and 4. Seems a lot riskier than the toproping of 5.10s in the gym that the original poster was so horrifed by. But, the future mom and dad need to make their own decisions and not be judged by other people who have no idea what the situation is. Melissa climbed at least V8 (probably harder) before she got pregnant, so V4 is nothing to her.
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yosemite
Mar 10, 2006, 8:12 PM
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Having lost my first daughter at two months before her due date I have mixed feelings about this. The immediate cause of her death was a result of Mom’s physical activity that almost all of us would consider no big deal for someone not pregnant. This does not mean that there were no other problems and that the kid would have had a live birth. We simply don’t know.
For a long time I thought that pregnant women had no right to put their babies at risk by climbing, an activity for which each piece of equipment carries a death or injury warning label. Now I am more inclined to be less judgmental. I hope that all pregnant women get professional advise and know that all activities carry some degree of risk. It’s up to the Mom and Dad to weigh the risks versus rewards and come up with their own informed decision. But be aware of the consequences.
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klippa_klattra
Mar 14, 2006, 12:22 AM
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aimeerose - "What happens if you fall running? That can't be good for the baby either. Personally, I'd be more likely to fall running than climbing. If I'm in a full body harness on top-rope, I can't see how a fall could hurt the baby."
Falling is not good for the baby weather you do it when running, hiking, or walking....(or climbing etc.) the key to continuing your exercise routine while pregnant is to recognize the risks involved to your unborn child. If your running, take it a little slower, and allow for extra caution, avoid paths with lots of roots or bumps that could be easily tripped over... Climbing, I'm sure a full body harness will reduce risk to baby, but if you fall very far (which shouldn't happen when top roping), it could be just as dangerous.
most experienced runners and climbers know their abilities and limits, and will be able to make smart decisions on how hard to run or climb in order to reduce the risk factor for falls and thus the danger for unborn baby. Obviously you should not be pushing your limits when pregnant, but it doenst mean you should be a vegetable either.
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genevieve
Mar 29, 2006, 7:09 PM
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Hi.
Just stopping by to give my $0.02!
I'm 7 week pregnant, and I'm still climbing, and planning to climb for my whole pregnancy.
About a week and a half ago, I decided to do not climb until the third month. Since then, I'm depressed, anxious, and always thinking about climbing. So this week, I decided that it was more dangerous for me (and my baby) to stop than to continue.
For sure, I'll only toprope, so I'll avoid big falls from sport or bouldering (I'm into bouldering). I also plan to buy a full body harness (as soon as the belly appears). Finally, I only climb lower grades, because it's not recommended to do a big effort in the first 3 months.
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