Soccer while pregnant?

GMH1183

Any soccer players out there? Is it okay to continue playing soccer in your first and second trimesters? I have gotten conflicting advice from docs/nurses/moms. Just wondered if anyone else has any experience.

armandos_girl

What does your doctor say?  I'd listen to him.

Gina418

Ditto Armandos. Listen to your doc - not the nurses, not your mom, not your friends.

Since it's a contact sport where you could get knocked down and hurt, I would avoid it myself. 

luvdv8

I was told no soccer- too great of a change of falling, getting hit by players (not to mention the ball) and the running gets your heart rate up too high.

tashaobrien

My Dr advised that I stay away from contact sports and any form of exercise that affects by back

GMH1183

My doctor says it is okay, but she seems to be the only one. I wanted opinions from others who actually play soccer. Thanks for you responses.

deo

I wouldn't... the chances of getting knocked down or something is pretty high.  I wouldn't take the risk.  Plus it's hard to monitor your heartrate while playing.  On my soccer team,   all the girls who have gotten pregnant have stopped playing after they found out.   I didn't sign up to play this season so I don't have to worry about it.   

uncannycanuck

GMH1183:

My doctor says it is okay, but she seems to be the only one. I wanted opinions from others who actually play soccer. Thanks for you responses.

Then I would say it depends on your level of play. Running is fine (as long as you stop if you're lightheaded or dizzy), it's just about the contact and falls. You know if that happens in your games or not.

JMULovin

I don't play anymore, but I referee adult league soccer.  I am still doing it, but I worry when I am in the center.  It is easier for a referee to stay away from the ball.  I cannot imagine trying to get closer to the ball as a player.  The adult league I do is very competitive (#1 in the state), so it is high contact.  I could never play in that league being pregnant.  I have decided to go through the next two weeks in center positions since I already commited to them, and then go the line positions until the end of the first trimester.  I think what would concern me most is the unpredictable players on the other team.  You never know who is going to toe a ball and have it come flying right into your stomach.

TheCricket

I hae no great advice here, and I myself am not a soccer player (only played in school). But... I can't help but giggle that you are a TRUE "soccer mom"!

I hope if you do continue to play, it's all goals and no injuries. Good luck!

sbmp10

With my first I coached a high school team.  My dr. said it was fine to continue to do light practice, demonstrate drills, but I could not "play" with the team.

GMH1183

Thanks, everyone. I'm 11 weeks and have been playing this whole time. I'm now starting to show a little so am more worried about it.

Eros

I played college soccer and know how hard it is to walk away from the game.  I just moved so I lost all my soccer buddies, but I've just been doing foot drills, shooting, passing the ball back and forth with DH...but I would not play in a game.  There are just too many factors.  You can't control the environment and provide a safe setting for your baby.  Good luck.  It's hard to stop, but easy when you think of your baby's safety.