Riding During Pregnancy
In an Instagram poll we conducted, just under half of the more than 2,100 participants said they had ridden a horse during pregnancy, and some even continued beyond the sixth month of pregnancy. But what are the risks for mother and child when riding during pregnancy? We answer the most common questions about riding during pregnancy and offer valuable tips to minimise risks and enhance well-being.
How dangerous is it to ride a horse whilst pregnant?
Alongside skiing and mountain biking, horse riding is one of the most high-risk leisure sports. The high risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury from falling or being kicked is what makes horse riding so dangerous. Riders are twice as likely to sustain a head injury over the course of a lifetime as non-riders.
According to a study by Dr Susanna Kramarz, riding as a leisure activity during a healthy pregnancy, by a healthy rider, does not increase the risk of premature birth or miscarriage in the first trimester, nor does it increase the risk of complications during childbirth.
Nevertheless, should a fall or kick occur, the health of both the mother and the unborn child may be at significant risk. In such cases, ’miscarriages and premature births as a result of an accident cannot be ruled out‘. Whether a female rider is willing to accept this potential risk for herself and her child must be decided on an individual basis and, where possible, in consultation with her gynaecologist and midwife.
What are the benefits of horse riding during pregnancy?
In general, moderate exercise during pregnancy is beneficial for the mother’s overall fitness and well-being. This is because the impending birth requires her to be in good general health – both physically and mentally.
In general, exercise during pregnancy lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Furthermore, plenty of exercise can help prevent common complaints such as tiredness, back pain, constipation and sleep disturbances. Exercise during pregnancy also improves fitness and self-awareness, which can contribute to a positive birth experience. The benefits of exercise during pregnancy can easily be applied to moderate horse riding. Horse riding, in particular, strengthens the pelvic floor muscles, which are essential for effectively preventing urinary incontinence during and after pregnancy, for example.
However, the emphasis is on moderate activity, as overexertion can certainly lead to physical discomfort such as shortness of breath, nausea, circulatory problems or lower abdominal discomfort. To avoid this, you should listen to your body. In addition a ’talk test‘ helps to assess whether you are still exercising within the moderate aerobic range. If you can still talk comfortably whilst riding without being out of breath, the intensity is just right.
Yard work and horse care are physically demanding
As well as riding, yard work and horse care can also leave a pregnant woman quite out of breath. Lifting heavy objects should be avoided, particularly in early pregnancy and during the final weeks of pregnancy. Ligaments and tendons are softer and looser due to pregnancy hormones and are therefore more prone to strain if overworked. So, when carrying out tasks around the horses, pay attention to how you feel and seek help early on if you need it!
What should you bear in mind when riding during pregnancy?
Susanna Kramarz’s study shows that the risk of accidents can be reduced by riding safely. However, Kramarz rightly points out: „No horse is a safe horse“, because even when taking a risk-aware approach to handling horses, the risk of accidents can never be completely eliminated.
If you want to go horse riding whilst pregnant, you should bear the following points in mind:
- Avoid working with young or difficult horses where possible
- Ride on reliable horses that you know well, where possible
- Do not take any unnecessary risks when handling the horse
- Ride in a secure outdoor or indoor arena
- Never ride unaccompanied
- Riding in a two-point seat can help relieve pressure during pregnancy
- Adapt your training to your current level of well-being
- Listen to your physical and mental limits and stop riding as soon as you feel any discomfort
- Use a mounting aid when getting on
- Ask for help with yard work and horse care
- Make a Plan B well in advance in case you are no longer able or willing to ride (consider sharing your horse, doing groundwork, hand-walking or long-reining instead).
- Use your regular check-ups with your gynaecologist or midwife as an opportunity to seek medical advice on whether you can continue riding
- Ensure your bump is properly supported by wearing suitable maternity clothing and that you feel comfortable whilst riding
NEW for expectant mothers – Felix Bühler Grip Maternity Riding Tights Isi
As your bump grows, maternity wear is a real game-changer when it comes to comfort during pregnancy. With our Felix Bühler Maternity Riding Tights Isi, you can enjoy your pregnancy even in the saddle. They are perfectly tailored to the specific needs of pregnant riders.
Also available in a winter version: Felix Bühler Grip Winter Maternity Riding Tights Elisabeth.
Do riders have a harder time giving birth?
This is definitely a myth. It is said that the pelvic floor muscles are more developed in female riders. However, a study conducted by the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo in 2013 refuted the claim that a well-trained pelvic floor has a negative impact on the course of labour. Neither the risk of labour arrest nor the risk of a subsequent intervention, such as the use of a vacuum extractor or a caesarean section, is increased.
On the contrary: a well-trained pelvic floor actually offers benefits for the expectant mother. The incidence of perineal tears or the need for episiotomies during childbirth decreases, and the risk of urinary incontinence during and after pregnancy has been shown to be reduced.
Anatomy of the pelvic floor: You can prepare for childbirth with targeted pelvic floor exercises.
To ensure you are fully prepared for the birth, it is advisable to be able to consciously relax your pelvic floor muscles. You can practise this through specific exercises that your midwife will show you during antenatal classes.
Riding after giving birth – what happens next?
During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are put under extreme strain. Give your body time to heal, both mentally and physically. You can start gentle postnatal exercise at the earliest after your gynaecologist has carried out a medical check-up. You should consult your doctor about when to get back in the saddle, depending on how your birth went.