ballroom dancing while pregnant

meg1974

I'm just over 4 weeks along. I have been ballroom dancing for the past 3 years, competitively. I practice about an hour a day and have 2 hour lessons once a week. I consider it low impact aerobic exercise, although there are some times when I do calisthenic-type moves that require leg lifts and dips.I don't do aerials, but I do spin a lot.

I asked my Dr. if it was okay to continue dancing, and he said at this point it is. However, then I read in a book and online that you should avoid anything that involves a sudden change in direction (which happens every time I spin) and jumping (which I do in some of the higher energy dances like swing). 

Now, I'm confused. Does anyone have any advice or experience they can share?

 

SuthrnBelle72

I have been ballroom dancing for about a year and a half.  I was ok'd to do it (my doctor said my body was used to it), but then I got put on bed rest so I think I am out.  I would ok it with your doc, but I doubt it would be a problem.

Where in Florida are you?  Where do you train?

I would just double check with your doc

JulieC53

My doctor said that I could continue doing whatever I did before pregnancy, just be aware of how I was feeling.  If the jumps and spins bother you, take it down a level.  If your doc said it is okay, then go for it... that's why he/she went to med school. 

meg1974

I already ok'd it with my doctor, but the info I read online and in books disagrees with what my doctor said, so that's why I'm confused.

MikesFavoriteWife

meg1974:

I already ok'd it with my doctor, but the info I read online and in books disagrees with what my doctor said, so that's why I'm confused.

Did you question him about the information that you read for yourself? I always do with my doctor. Anyway if your doctor says its fine, then it probably is. If you can't trust what he says then its time for a new doctor. At least it would be for me anyway.

thenewmrsrussell

1st. Way to actually ask your dr first.

2nd. If you're really uncomfortable or unsure of it. Then just don't do it.

htomeo

If you would rather take the word of a bunch of internet strangers over your doctor, then it is time to switch doctors.

POL2006

My mother taught, and danced, ballet, tap, jazz and ballroom her entire pregnancy with my sister with absolutely no issues.  She took and advanced tap class hours before she went into labor with my sister.

You can continue an physical activity within reason as long as you are comfortable with it.  As you get larger you may be uncomfortable ballroom dancing, but at this point there is no reason you should need to stop.

Why wouldn't you believe your DR?

TDC

Hi I am a retired professional dancer. I still teach dance. I'm 22 weeks along now. My doctor did tell me that yes it was okay to still dance. Now some of my old dance directors told me to be extremely careful going in rele've. If you don't know what that is it is when you are on the balls of your feet. The reason being is it will pop your vericose veins out. That includes jumping. I've been extemely cautious of both. I so far haven't had the vein issues.

 

meg1974

Of course I believe my DR, but the book I read it in is the book my DR told me to read, so he obviously supports the information in it. I'm wondering if maybe I didn't explain the type of dancing and movements I did well enough to him, or maybe the stuff I read really pertains to later on in pregnancy, but it just didn't specify that. There could be lots of reasons the opinions I'm getting differ, and that is why I asked the question on the forum, to see what experiences people have had.

NewMrs07

I think the "sudden change in direction" thing is for when your belly is big and you could potentially lose your balance and fall. I don't see why it would matter in the first tri.

Personally, I'm taking it easy with exercise just to be safe. There will be plenty of time to get fit after the baby is born and I'm running around in circles!

htomeo

meg1974:

Of course I believe my DR, but the book I read it in is the book my DR told me to read, so he obviously supports the information in it. I'm wondering if maybe I didn't explain the type of dancing and movements I did well enough to him, or maybe the stuff I read really pertains to later on in pregnancy, but it just didn't specify that. There could be lots of reasons the opinions I'm getting differ, and that is why I asked the question on the forum, to see what experiences people have had.

Make sure to write it down. And be sure to ask your doctor when the restrictions may apply. I always forget to ask important questions if I don't write them down, because so much goes through your mind at doctor visits. And I feel silly later on if I call and ask. Could be the time period difference, the book may mean later, and your doctor is talking about now.