Can hiking cause miscarriage?
Hiking cannot cause miscarriage. It can only increase the risk of a miscarriage happening. Hiking and miscarriage are two things that have little to no linkage. The reason is that the developing fetus is safely enclosed or wrapped within the amniotic sac and within it is the amniotic fluid that helps to absorb any shock from the mother’s external environment. Asides from the amniotic layer, the abdominal muscles also work to protect the fetus via a great factor. So, hiking really has no effect on the fetus. The only things a woman could experience if she hikes above what is moderate include the following;
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, weakness, or sometimes fainting
- Severe headache or chest pain
- Discharge from the vagina (occurs in more serious conditions).
- Premature labor
Miscarriages are often caused by conditions unlinked to motion or exercises. These conditions are more inherent and genetically related.
Examples of such conditions include diabetes (mostly when uncontrolled), kidney diseases, hormonal imbalance, chromosomal issues, wrong placement of the fetus within the uterine walls, etc.
Other times, it could be as a result of lifestyle habits (alcoholism or smoking) on the part of either the father or the mother. Both alcohol and cigarettes contain constituents that are harmful to the developing fetus.
Is hiking bad for pregnancy?
Hiking is not bad for pregnancy if done moderately. It is one of those exercises that pregnant women can easily pull off to keep fit. It strengthens the lower limbs, the pelvic muscles, the abdominal muscles, and the woman’s cardiovascular system. However, since the bodies of all pregnant women aren’t entirely the same, it is necessary that a few precautions be taken.
For example, a woman carrying more than one child shouldn’t exert herself much as a woman carrying a single child would do.
Other factors like health conditions, previous childbirth histories, etc., are also to be considered when a woman chooses a sport to engage in while being pregnant.
Safety tips for hiking while pregnant
Let’s check out the precautions that are necessary for you to take if you want to engage in hiking while you’re pregnant;
Contact your doctor first
Before you engage in hiking or any other sporting activity, ensure that you contact your doctor first.
He or she would be in the best place to tell you what impact the activity is going to have on both you and the developing fetus. Most times, the physician wants to know if you’ve hiked before.
If you have, it is highly possible that your body has grown accustomed to the exercise. That is not the same for first-timers, so, your doctor would have certain instructions to give you.
Secondly, your physician also studies your chart and checks if you’ve had a pregnancy complication before. If there has been one, you may be advised against hiking or probably just opting to take things slowly.
For example, you may be advised to stay off sloppy lands, heights, and other conditions that could pose some serious risk to the fetus.
Stay off areas with sloppy surfaces
When hiking, you have to ensure that you stay off lands or areas with sloppy surfaces. The thing about pregnancy is that it alters the center of gravity of the woman.
Once that happens, she has a higher potential or possibility of falling when she makes a sudden or quick-paced move. She may not be as balanced as she was when she was without child.
That’s why it is recommended that you stay off areas with steeps, slopes, heights, bumps, rocks, or anything that’d cause you to exert yourself too strongly.
Another way you can keep yourself balanced as you hike is to get some hiking poles. They are more like walking sticks that you can lean against as you walk.
Asides from supporting you, they also help to channel most of your weight from your knees.
That way, the impact of your movement is directed away from your abdomen and then, channeled to the upper part of your body.
Ensure you have the right footing
Hiking requires very much that you have the right footing. You can achieve that by purchasing a pair of shoes that snug closely to your feet.
There are shoes made uniquely for hiking—shoes with great traction and support—and you can stay off trouble by getting them.
Another good thing about these shoes is that they prevent aches along your backline. It is recommended that you try out these shoes around the house for a while before taking them on your hiking exercise.
That way, you can be sure you are used to the feel of the shoes.
Do not go alone
If possible, make sure you do not go hiking alone. Ensure that you have someone that can guide you and keep you off trouble’s path. If that isn’t possible, keep your phone close.
That way, you can easily reach out to a relative or health professional when your body begins to feel funny. Also, it is important that you do not go hiking too deep into the woods.
You want to stay somewhere that is easy for you to get medical assistance or help when needed.
Stay hydrated
One of the effects of hiking while being pregnant is that you get dehydrated easily. That is why you must ensure that you have a water bottle with you at every instance.
It is recommended that you drink about 7 ounces of water every 15 minutes. The volume of water you should ingest increases even more when you hike at heights far off the level ground.
Note that the sunlight also works in increasing the rate at which you get dehydrated. So, if you are hiking in a place with tree canopies, make sure you remain under the shed.
Pay attention to your body
You should also make sure that you channel enough attention to your body and belly. Don’t get carried away with the exercise or the conversation you have while going on with that.
Pay attention to the signals your body sends you. Signs like light headedness, headache, chest pain, abdominal discomfort and pain, fainting, nausea, etc. mean that you should either slow down or stop!
The moment you notice it, slow down your hiking. If the signs persist or grow worse, you’ve got to stop the hiking and take a long rest.
You should also ensure that you reach out to your doctor immediately so they can tell you why you felt whatever thing you felt. They’d also be able to tell you when next you can hike.