Jumping on a trampoline provides cardio exercise that challenges your legs, balance and your coordination. Whether an experienced trampoline jumper or a novice, many factors affect your exercise routine during pregnancy. Knowing the pros and cons of using a trampoline during exercise will help you make informed and safe decisions for you and your baby.
First Trimester
While the first trimester may not alter your physical composition or weight, it is an important time for the development of you baby. Pregnancy.org recommends getting medical clearance from your obstetrician to use a trampoline during your first trimester. Jumping on an uneven surface may increase your chance of falling and injuring yourself and/or the baby.
Second and Third Trimesters
During the second and third trimesters, your weight gain and shifting posture may affect your balance and coordination. Obtaining medical clearance promotes exercise safety during these trimesters. Gaining weight in your midsection may alter your center of gravity and change the way your body lands and distributes its weight while on a trampoline. "What to Expect When You're Expecting" recommends avoiding any exercises that require jerky motions, quick changes in direction, jumping or bouncing to avoid falling or injuring yourself. After the first trimester, exercising on your back restricts your blood flow; don't land on your back or jump up after lying on your back.
During the second and third trimesters, your body releases relaxin, a hormone that loosens up your joints and relaxes your pelvis in preparation for childbirth. Relaxin makes you more susceptible to injury and may reduce your balance and coordination, both necessary skills for jumping on a trampoline.
Safety Precautions
If cleared to jump on a trampoline during any point of your pregnancy, certain safety precautions may reduce the risk of injuring yourself while on a trampoline. Jumping by yourself ensures that you don't bump into someone else. Placing a safety net around the trampoline will not prevent a fall, but it may help cushion you. Covering all metal hooks, frames and springs with a safety pad may prevent injury or tear if you fall on them.
Injury Symptoms
If you fall and think that you have injured yourself, call 911. Uterine contractions, chest pain, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, abdominal cramps or stitches and pain in your hip or back may indicate internal injury and require medical attention. Additional injury symptoms include vaginal bleeding, increased swelling of your feet, face or hands and amniotic fluid leakage.
Considerations
If you do jump on a trampoline during any point of your pregnancy, make sure that someone else is present in case of injury or if you need them to call the doctor.
