Roller skating is a favorite pastime for many of us. We can remember strapping on the roller skates or inlines and just skating the day away around our neighborhoods as children, and then hitting the roller rinks and skating the night away as teens. As adults, many of us skate around our parks for exercise and recreation. Yet even for experienced skaters, skating poses a significant risk during pregnancy.

Carrying an extra 10-15 pounds in your stomach alone will throw off your center of gravity.

Exercise is a vital component of a healthy pregnancy. In fact, staying active throughout your pregnancy helps ensure a healthier, less complicated nine months as well as labor and delivery. Yet not all sports and physical activities are safe to do while pregnant. According to the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: " Those activities with a high risk of falling or for abdominal trauma should be avoided during pregnancy." Playing hockey falls under this category.

Falling/being pushed

The number one risk from roller skating is the risk of falling, in particular of falling on your stomach. In a rink, you can easily get pushed by a fellow skater and lose your balance. This is especially true after the first trimester as your baby and belly are growing larger. Carrying an extra 10-15 pounds in your stomach alone will throw off your center of gravity. Taking a harsh fall and landing on your belly could result in fetal injury, separation of the placenta from the fetus, and premature labor.

Losing balance

Balance is everything when it comes to skating. During pregnancy, your balance is not what they used to be. The hormone prolactin is loosening up your joints. You may even notice this while simply walking; your balance may be off and you may be more prone to slips and slides.

Ask your doctor

There is no replacement for the experienced advice of a doctor or a midwife who has helped many women have healthy pregnancies. Your own doctor knows all of your medical history and likely your sports and activity history and will better able to gauge your level of fitness and which activities are safe for you. Skating may be a possible activity in the first trimester but as your belly and baby grow, you may have to hang up those skates for a few months until your baby is born.