How long can I play tennis..?

Question

Hi there. I am 8 weeks pregnant and an avid tennis player. It is my passion and keeps me very fit. I am still playing now, although it is hard for me to go two full sets without being pooped, which is sad because before I was pg, I could play all day. :) How long into the pregnancy can I play?

Thanks for the great support and answers and I have played competive tennis since childhood so my body is conditioned for it.

Answer 1

look at the 3rd sport, its tennis!

Safe Sports During Pregnancy

-- By Holly Little, Certified Fitness Instructor

The number of women who exercise during pregnancy has dramatically increased over the past couple of years and more pregnant women are seeking the instruction of knowledgeable fitness professionals. However, many women don't like to be confined to their home or the gym for exercise. Here are some guidelines for sports and activities you can do during your pregnancy:

* Swimming is a great activity because it helps strengthen your whole body and is a great cardiovascular exercise. Plus, it's low impact, it helps support your weight, and it keeps you cool. One thing, it's probably not a good idea to dive into a pool, especially later in your pregnancy.
* A brisk walk - doing a mile in 12-15 minutes - is a great workout, even if you're new to exercise. Jogging is also OK in moderation, if you did it before you were pregnant. You'll want to avoid overheating and make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Plus, remember that are more off balance now, so be extra careful not to fall.
* Tennis is OK if you played before you were pregnant. You'll want to keep the pace moderate, playing doubles is a great way to do this. Again, you may have more problems with balance, so be careful, especially with sudden stops.
* Golf and bowling are fine too, but they may not give as much benefit as other activities. Again, watch your balance.
* Mind-body classes like tai chi, yoga and pilates are attracting more pregnant participants as well. These types of classes can do wonders for the management of stress and teach students new methods of relaxation. There are many specialty tapes available on the market and you are sure to find and try many new exercises using these tapes.
* This is also not the time for contact spots where you could fall, injure yourself, or be struck in the abdomen, or badly shake the baby. Therefore, avoid these activities: scuba diving, water skiing, basketball, softball, baseball, horseback riding, and snow skiing.

With all of the aforementioned activities, a pregnant woman must take into the consideration of what their overall goal is and talk to their physician about the proper way to go about having a healthy pregnancy. With any exercise you do, there are many modifications that can be made to fit the specific needs of the participant.

The important thing is to find out what you like to do. Have fun with it and don't get too anxious. This is your time to relax and stay in touch with your body as it goes through the miraculous transformation of pregnancy.

Answer 2

It really depends on how many hours a week you play tennis. The more time you spend playing, the better. Trust me, it took me way longer than a year to get really good, but I also wasn't playing enough. Last year, I took lessons at a tennis camp (about 2 hours every day), and then I became a pretty decent player. If your teacher keeps telling you that you're doing fine, then believe him/her. He/She is also considering how long you've been playing. Ask your teacher what you need to improve on. Don't give up. The amount of time it takes for a person to get good at this sport is different for everyone. The person that decides to stick with tennis is the one who becomes great at it!

Answer 3

Ask your doctor. It has been said that you can continue up until you give birth because your body is used to it. My mom played tennis while she was 8 months pregnant and people were staring at her. Like you said, you get tired quickly, so be prepared to take more breaks and stay extremely hydrated. The extreme fatigue will go away after the third month and then you'll feel great for about 3 months and then you'll start getting tired again towards the end. Have fun!

Answer 4

Ask your OB.

I'm an indoor soccer player, myself, and I played until I was just about 6 months pregnant.

I quit when a) I felt winded all the time; b) I worried about loosening joints and twisting ankles, etc.; and c) I was showing and worried about a direct blow to the abdomen.

My OB said I could play as long as I felt comfortable.

I also commute to work by bicycle, and I did that during both pregnancies right up until delivery. I had to adjust my seat and my handlebars and change my route--fast treks up big hills just got too hard at 8 months!--but it worked fine.

Just listen to your doctor and your body and be sensible.

Being pregnant isn't an illness and you aren't an invalid. Don't listen to the people who tell you to sit around all day doing nothing but gestating (unless those people are medically trained and directly responsible for your health and wellness, of course!).

Answer 5

Hi, I know that tennis may be a big part of your life, but it may be wise to cut back on the tennis playing for now, you do not want to place anymore stress on your unborn child or body than what is already being placed on it by the pregnancy. If youare worried about staying fit there are some safe exercises that you can find on the pregnancy dot org website that can help you. I really think that tennis may propose some harm for you and your unborn child.

Answer 6

I would suggest a question for your Doctor. Also if you feel you can play, play a couple of sets at a time catch your breath and play a couple more sets until you feel tired and so on and so forth. I believe it would be more good for you than not as long as the baby is not getting bounced too much.

Answer 7

As long as you want and lay off if it causes any noticable problems (bleeding,etc.). It makes pregnancy and delivery easier if you remain active as possible. My former boss's wife played softball until she was 7 months.

Answer 8

Paula Radcliffe has just run a 10km race in 44 minutes, and she is 6 months gone.

Answer 9

YOU SHOULD STOP NOW BECAUSE TENNIS IS A VERY ACTIVE SPORT AND IT BURNS A LOT OF ENERGY. IT WILL NOT BE GOOD AT ALL IF THAT BALL HIT YOU IN THE STOMACH. JUST GIVE IT UP FOR NOW AND AFTER HAVING THE BABY YOU CAN GO BACK TO YOUR EXERCISE.(TENNIS).

Answer 10

im guessing til you get to tired. my aunt played till 38 and 2 days. she drank alot of water. she looked really cute.i do and im 11 weeks.