Climbing pregnant

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Fish Boy

Trad climber
Vancouver
Topic Author's Original Post - May 20, 2012 - 01:56am PT
My wife, who dearly loves to climb but finds it uncomfortable (and dangerous) to use a normal harness, would like to know more about her options. It seems a full body harness is the way to go.

Does anyone here have experience with this...and do any Vancouver people have one sitting around that they would not require anymore?

Thanks!
ß Î Ø T Ç H

Boulder climber
bouldering
May 20, 2012 - 02:06am PT
a full body harness is the way to go
... tied to the bed until she gives birth.
Ben Emery

Trad climber
Australia via Bay Area via Australia...
May 20, 2012 - 09:16am PT
Hey, congratulations!

My partner used the petzl full body harness for gym climbing until she was at least 7 and maybe 8 months pregnant with no complaints (she backed off on the outdoor stuff).

That said, she's recently loaned the harness to someone else (who I'm guessing would be at ~5 months?), but they found it too uncomfortable to use.

Probably depends on the individual, but yes, I think the 5-point/full body harness is about your best option.
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
May 20, 2012 - 11:33am PT
I'm usually pregnant with anticipation before a big climb. Have fun and be carefull!
Hannes

climber
May 20, 2012 - 01:38pm PT
The petzl full body harness was the standard choice for the pregnant at the wall I used to work at.
Gene

climber
May 20, 2012 - 03:05pm PT
Count me in with those that urge caution. I have heard of women engaging in sports until the contractions were a minute apart, but....

What's the doc say?

We lost a child in the sixth month of pregnancy from what 'might' have been caused by a unsuspected physical activity stress factor.

Wishing you the absolute best with the family!

g
kennyt

climber
Woodfords,California
May 20, 2012 - 03:06pm PT
Do you really need to ask this question?
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
May 20, 2012 - 03:08pm PT
My wife is an ob/gyn so don't get her started on sh!t like that. She'll
come slap ya. Sure, a lot of people get away with it but is it worth the risk?
It is quite selfish and wanton behavior if you take an honest look at it.
Hannes

climber
May 20, 2012 - 05:31pm PT
Let me quote an obstetrician I worked with "it is really, really hard to dislodge or hurt a baby while in the uterus"

The risk of problems from some light to moderate exercise is very small and the exercise is likely to be beneficial for both mother and baby. Obviously don't overdo it.

Tami, as for the eclampsia, some people just get it and no one knows really why just they get it. If you're overweight or have a family history you are at higher risk and also if you have had one before. Heck, we don't even really know why it happens, there's a number of good theories but I wouldn't blame being active on it.
ontheedgeandscaredtodeath

Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
May 20, 2012 - 08:47pm PT
Truth is climbing is over for several years, and pregnancy is the least of her/your upcoming impediments to crushing.
Relic

Social climber
Vancouver, BC
May 20, 2012 - 08:49pm PT
A crusher of boulders I know, Carrie Cooper, climbed a bunch while pregnant. It was a good experience for her. http://carriecooper.blogspot.ca/2012/01/39-weeks-and-usa-today.html
http://carriecooper.blogspot.ca/2012/02/active-and-pregnant-acog-guidelines.html

bit'er ol' guy

climber
the past
May 20, 2012 - 11:33pm PT
why?

Enjoy it

take a break
ncrockclimber

climber
The Desert Oven
May 21, 2012 - 12:20am PT
My wife is due in July of this year. When she got preggers, we talked about her continuing to climb and she decided to stop. Although we both felt that it was pretty safe, we decided that the risks were not worth it. She has continued to do yoga and other types of exercise, and she is looking forward to climbing again after our son is born.

Best to you and your wife for a healthy and happy pregnancy!
ncrockclimber

climber
The Desert Oven
May 21, 2012 - 10:11am PT
Thanks Lolli. It is a first for both of us and we are VERY excited.
Tony Bird

climber
Northridge, CA
May 21, 2012 - 11:06am PT
lolli's advice up there is the best. tami is way too athletic, and i'll bet her kids grew up with some kind of jealousy complex.

i'm going to have to warn you about one thing. my wife climbed like hell with me for a couple years before we had our first of two children. then she shifted into mothering gear, which has been wonderful, but i've never gotten my climbing partner back. "one of us has to come back from these adventures" was her original excuse, but the kids are grown and, sort of, gone, so now her excuse is an absorbing ceramics habit. if i get argumentative, she asks to play scrabble. life and children bring changes, and you should expect some curve balls. i still find partners to climb with, but they're not nearly as handy, and often far less charming.
FrankZappa

Trad climber
80' from the Hankster
May 21, 2012 - 12:23pm PT
My wife climbed pretty far into her pregnancy, but never maxed herself out. Just did routes she had done before and were not too hard for her.

Full body harness was the way to go.

Everyone is different, which is why she did exactly what her doctor advised, and was probably a little conservative to boot.
SCseagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz
May 21, 2012 - 12:38pm PT
and often far less charming

That is sooooo sweet! I could just feel the affection you have for your wife. Sometimes the simplest turn of a phrase tells a story.

Gene...so sorry...had same experience but not so late...never goes away...who they might have been...and as my son used to ask.... "would you have had me?" in a sad little voice....ahh

Sorry for thread drift...but I chime in with the majority....I'd dial it way back....and if must climb...perhaps gym climbing since you can control the circumstances....no tripping on approaches, no bee stings, so snake bites, close to help if needed etc etc


Susan
rectorsquid

climber
Lake Tahoe
May 21, 2012 - 12:39pm PT
I know absolutely nothing about being pregnant but after a shoulder injury, I didn't climb for quite some time. All that means is that if your body is not in a good condition for climbing, don't climb. Pregnancy is for making a baby, not for rock climbing.

Plus, the littlest slip might have some big ramifications for a fetus. What does the doctor say?

Dave
Jussy

Trad climber
May 21, 2012 - 01:21pm PT
i am using the petzl full body harness (currently 35 weeks).
if she feels well, has an uncomplicated pregnancy, and knows her limits i see no reason why not to climb. good healthy workout.
i have stopped leading and bouldering, and will only do single pitch routes with no abseilling involved. have dropped a grade or two but really enjoy getting out and doing some easy routes.

best of luck with the pregnancy. every woman is different and you just need to see how she finds it herself.
Fish Boy

Trad climber
Vancouver
Topic Author's Reply - May 21, 2012 - 08:18pm PT
Thanks folks! Tami, thanks for your comments and caution too.

Our doc says no problem, so we wanted to hear what others have been doing because it's our 1st and most of our climbing friends are pot smoking bums, not family people...! I fit both categories...

We feel that the most dangerous aspect to climbing with a bun in the oven would be tripping hazards on the walk in and out. My girl's balance is off obviously.

Congrats and best of luck to the other people this thread having kids, I hope they turn out healthy and happy, and that you remain that way too!

-peace-
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