Snowmobiling is a sport that is getting worldwide acclamation. Initially, just like the other sports, this was only popular among men. Women are starting to mark their presence in this sport, and the number is increasing annually!
In the last decade, riding snowmobiles was more and more seen by women riders as an exhibit of their love for the sport.
This does not make it an exemption for pregnant women. Nowadays, even an expecting mother who is an ardent rider can enjoy snowmobiling with proper care and necessary precautions.
So, now, you must be thinking- is snowmobiling for pregnant women safe? Let’s find out.
Can You Go Snowmobiling While Pregnant?
Yes, in most cases, pregnant women can go for a snowmobile ride. If you’re pregnant, you should carry a few extra things along with you and follow the tips mentioned in this article.
Is Snowmobiling for Pregnant Women Safe?
Snowmobiling for pregnant women can be a fun sport. But they should take advice from the doctor before heading out for one as the first trimester period is crucial for a pregnant woman.
In the early stage, it is always good to consult your doctor before you plan to go snowmobiling.
It is not unlikely to see snowmobiling for pregnant women. With the proper care taken, a pregnant woman can do many other things in a safe environment, and snowmobiling is one such thing.
Many women have ridden a snowmobile all their lives and have it as a burning passion; staying away from the sled is challenging.
This has also been a debatable topic of whether a pregnant woman can ride a snowmobile or not.
You may often find a doctor having a stand against the same, which is only understandable. But there are various examples of women who rode carefully during their pregnancy.
Nevertheless, it is wise to consult your obstetrician before you go for a quick ride on your sled.
In the case of snowmobiling for pregnant women, the only step out with a proper precaution is when you get a green signal from your obstetrician.
Things Pregnant Women Should Carry for Snowmobiling
Medication Prescribed
Again, with respect to snowmobiling for pregnant women, you must take a few medicines.
Motion sickness, constipation, medication for nausea, etc., should be carried while you plan for your travel to snowmobiling.
Letter from your Doctor
For snowmobiling for pregnant women, a letter from your doctor saying you are healthy enough to snowmobile should be carried along with you when you step out of the house.
This will be for your health and safety.
Wet wipes and Anti-Bacterial Gel
Always keep the wet wipes with you or the anti-bacterial gel, so you don’t get catch any infections and feel clean while on the go.
Bump Band
Bump bands are made to provide gentle support to the baby bump. This will help diminish the back and lower abdomen pain in case of snowmobiling for pregnant women.
It is also comfortable enough to wear beneath the clothes and also to wear them the whole day.
Scarves
Soft, cute warm, and cozy scarves to cover your belly when you do not wish to flaunt them are also required in your travel fit.
Maternity Socks
Compression socks will help the pregnant woman in case of swelling, a common complication in pregnancy.
These compression socks are different from regular snowmobiling socks. So, buying compression socks is better in snowmobiling for pregnant women.
Tips for Snowmobiling During Pregnancy
Consult your Doctor
Snowmobiling and pregnancy create a stunning factor for anybody traveling with you.
As such, let your doctor know and get a pre-ride check-up done.
Let the doctors decide on the condition so that when you are in the snow, you can enjoy snowmobiling with no fewer worries and more confidence.
A Good Quality of Snowmobile
Also, in snowmobiling for pregnant women, riding a good quality snowmobile is extremely important.
Ensure the snowmobile is running fine so it does not break down mid-ride, putting you in a high-risk predicament.
One should have the snowmobile serviced before the season turns up. A good snowmobile will make it much easier for the rider, and this will be a safer experience snowmobiling for pregnant women.
Proper Gear
If a passionate woman rider is expecting, the best way to go snowmobiling for pregnant women is by getting proper gear for the ride.
If you are planning, be prepared with larger-sized snow thermals, and different layers of clothes as the old equipment will not fit anymore.
The fabric of the bag has to be such that it aids flexibility while riding and keeps moisture at bay by keeping the mother warm.
If you are pregnant and going on a ride, then make sure you wear a warm and comfortable snowmobiling jacket with comfortable pants.
You can also wear snowmobile women’s monosuits if you don’t want to deal with pants and jackets.
Riding Accessories
It is always important to ride with boots and helmets on. Make sure you wear the warmest women’s snowmobiling boots with a good helmet like the 509 Tactical Helmet or 509 Delta R3 Helmet.
A good pair of heated snowmobiling goggles will play a vital role in adding the comfort of riding by providing the right field of vision and warmth.
Many women like Blenders Eyewear Snow Goggles because they’re stylish and perfect for winter sports.
This avoids making the glasses foggy and prevents harmful UV rays from affecting your eyes.
Well Packed Gear Bag
While discussing snowmobiling for pregnant women, you can’t miss out on the importance of a well-packed gear bag.
An excellently-packed snowmobile gear bag must be carried at all times, with all the necessary items the expecting mother requires.
This includes vitamins, fluids, snacks, medicines, bathroom supplies, a proper extra pair of clothing, and everything else a pregnant woman may require.
Also, always carry an essential tool kit while riding the snowmobile; you never know when it will come in handy.
With such preparation, a woman can hardly enjoy snowmobiling without no worries.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids to keep you and also the baby happy. Eat small meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar level balanced and your energy level up.
Almonds, dried fruit, and other quick-energy foods are excellent snacks while riding.
Do not Attempt any Jumps or Drops
Snowmobiling for pregnant women gets risky when you are trying any leaps or drops.
Attempting drops and jumps may compromise your pregnancy. A sudden impact could pose a danger to you and your baby.
Generally, the baby is cushioned in the amniotic sac. However, a hard blow to your belly may damage the placenta and affect the baby’s blood and oxygen supply. Never attempt to lift or pull your sled if you are stuck.
So while snowmobiling for pregnant women, please do not undertake anything that could jeopardizes you and your baby.
Have a Relaxed Ride
Also, ensure that you have plenty of time to get on and off the mountain. A rushed pace can invite a spill, and leaving the mountain late can also invite danger.
Hence, keep it relaxed and choose to ride with people who can respect your desire for safety.
Do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion as you may have during the non-pregnant rides. Ride until you are tired and then rest. Ride easy, just like when you ride with kids.
Choose Waterproof and Breathable Clothing
Also, another thing that needs to be paid utmost importance while undertaking snowmobiling for pregnant women is investing in good and durable breathable clothing.
Breathable and waterproof clothing keeps you warm and dry, preventing you from overheating. Extreme heat and extreme cold can equally be detrimental.
Ensure it is accessible to pee. Clothing, which is not easy to pee, may discourage you from drinking fluids throughout the day.
Dehydration is widespread among pregnant women. Increased blood volume and vomiting make pregnant women more vulnerable to dehydration.
Hence you need also to take electrolyte-rich fluids such as Gatorade and Powerade to replenish fluids lost while riding sufficiently.
Listen to your Body
Always listen to your body as your body knows if you feel discomfort, uneasiness, pain, etc. Generally, during the first trimester of pregnancy, the baby is protected by your pelvic bones.
Once you enter the last trimester of pregnancy, the baby will no longer have that protection.
It is also imperative to keep this in mind so you can protect your baby from any harmful impact from trees, obstacles, or the machine along the way.
Know the Terrain
You need to know what type of terrain is coming up next.
This is not the time to take part in the incredible journey as the consequences are absolutely not worth it if you tumble down accidentally an expected steep slope.
Your growing belly will cause your weight to shift forward, and hormones like relaxing help the ligaments to stretch and will naturally make you off balance. Hence keep your rides easy and undemanding.
Also, invest in a reliable GPS device for your snowmobile, even if you are well-versed with the terrain. Keeping yourself and your loved ones in the loop about your whereabouts is vital when heading out for an activity like this.
Final Words
Snowmobiling for pregnant women sounds scary, but it can be well managed with adequate precautions.
And while one might take all the necessary precautions and still meets with an unfortunate accident during the ride, getting hit by fellow snowmobilers is not under the rider’s control. There are various points to be kept in mind while snowmobiling when you are pregnant.
You should consider all the points and head out for the ride only if you are safe. Be safe and avoid the snowmobile ride if there are any uncertain circumstances.
Your baby is the first choice. Hence, be careful while deciding to go out on a snowmobile.
Make sure to take some trusted riders if heading out. They should respect your safety!
