If you’re pregnant and hiking. . . read this.
I write this blog post as I’m currently 36 weeks pregnant with my second and looking at 3 hikes I’ve planned to do before my due date.
It is a bit ambitious, they are all under 3.5 miles and mixed terrain but I’m determined to do at least 2 of them before my due date.
Hiking pregnant with a toddler is definitely not easy! Some days I’ve found the first 10 minutes the hardest, or just a slight incline makes me feel like I’m carrying a whole house on my back, some days it’s been getting my toddler in and out of the car!
Then some hikes it’s felt like a breeze!
When you’re pregnant, your body goes through immense changes. Your cardiac output, so the amount of blood your heart can pump out in one minute, can increase to up to 60% more, which is a lot!
Blood pressure generally decreases, oxygen consumption and metabolic rate increases, as well as red blood cells. This kinda makes us superhuman for a bit.
However, over the period of pregnancy the centre of gravity shifts, pulling the posture of your spine, specifically lower, into lordosis. This can place more pressure onto the lower back and pelvis.
These are just a handful of examples of the changes that occur during pregnancy. Add in changes in hormones, work/life balance, running around after a toddler or other kids, stress, finances and housework and it can all get a bit much.
When hiking there are essentials you need to take with you, and these are no different when hiking when pregnant, and with a baby/toddler.
Always make sure you have comfortable and sturdy shoes on. This will help to keep you secure, balanced and reduce the risk of injury
Take plenty of fluids for everyone, whether that be milk, water, electrolytes. Plan for the weather and try to take more than what you think you need in the summer/hot weather (leave a full bottle in the car if that helps)
Snacks, lots of snacks for everyone! I think this might be the most important one ha! Snacks are great for a morale boost, energy levels and to keep toddler hands busy and entertained!
A charged and working phone with GPS. There are so many apps that are great for hiking trails now, I tend to use Footpath, but Strava, Komoot and Alltrails are all great. Having an OS Map with you also really helps! Let someone know where you’re going and the route/how long you plan to be out just in case
Also an important one, bring a good attitude with you and lots of patience! That’s both for your when yourhiking with your baby or toddler or hiking solo! Hiking pregnant and with kids always adds on more time than you think you’ve planned for, so breathe and enjoy the ride!
There are some things to remember when hiking pregnant, especially if you are carrying a toddler as well, these are:
You’re doing great!
It’s ok to make hikes shorter, it’s ok to make them longer if you’re feeling up to it
It’s ok to stick to flat terrain, it’s ok to try more challenging terrain
It’s ok to take more breaks than normal, and have plenty of snacks and fluids
It’s ok to switch to a soft carrier over a structured carrier
It’s ok to give new hikes a go
It’s ok to take a few days off
It’s also totally ok to keep going and keep doing what you love
Did I mention you’re doing great!
Be kind to yourself!
Happy walking!