Okay, so, I’m pregnant, and I’ve been wondering, “Can I still play tennis?” It’s something I really enjoy, and I didn’t want to give it up completely.
First thing I did was talk to my doctor. Gotta make sure everything’s okay, right? My doctor said it’s generally fine to play tennis while pregnant, especially since I was already playing before. That’s a relief!
Then, I started to actually play tennis. I found it a bit different than before. I started by playing some easy rallies, just to get a feel for it. I wasn’t trying to win any grand slams, just move around a little.
I made sure to stay super hydrated. I’d always have a big bottle of water with me, and I’d take sips constantly. Even if I wasn’t feeling super thirsty, I’d still drink. Also, I made sure I wore comfortable clothes. Loose-fitting stuff, nothing too tight. And good, supportive shoes are a must.
- I toned down my serves. No more power serves, just gentle ones to get the ball in play.
- I avoided running all over the court. I’d let some balls go if they were too far away. No need to overdo it.
- I took more breaks. If I started feeling tired or out of breath, I’d just stop and rest.
Here’s how I modified my playing style:
I also started paying extra attention to my body. If something felt off, I stopped immediately. Some days I felt great and could play for a while. Other days, not so much. But no matter what I feel, I always keep the sport low-risk. I am very careful not to fall down. I will give up hitting the ball to keep myself steady.
When I got into my second trimester, I really scaled back. I know from my doctor that the risk of falling was higher and I should avoid doing things that required me to lie on my back. So I’d play even less frequently and for shorter periods. I also avoided certain foods, like raw fish and alcohol. I cut back on processed foods too, since they can have a lot of added sugar and salt. So, I made some adjustments to my diet to help keep me and the baby healthy.
So yeah, that’s my experience playing tennis while pregnant. It’s definitely doable, but you gotta be smart about it and listen to your body. It’s all about being cautious and taking care of yourself!
