Is It Safe To Play Tennis During Pregnancy?

Sports, Travel, and Leisure

Obie Editorial Team

Tennis is one of those sports that some women play up until the end of their pregnancy, and it is also 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.

Whenever you play a sport during your pregnancy, it is important to always warm up and cool down before and after you play.

Before playing a potentially dangerous sport during your pregnancy you may want to consult your doctor first. If your doctor feels that you should not play, 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 then you should probably not play tennis during your pregnancy either.

Tennis is a game which requires a lot of energy, fast reflexes, and balance. Your pregnant body does not have as much energy, your reflexes may be slower, and your balance will definitely be off. There is a chance that you may fall and hurt yourself or get hit by the ball as your movements become slower.

Whenever you play a sport during your pregnancy, it is important to always warm up and cool down before and after you play. Pregnant women should not overheat or 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 regarding sports.