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 Midget Lover
     
Location: Kentucky | Firemanswife - 2014-01-31 10:05 AM I ran til I was four months pregnant. I was told if you trust you horse there is not reason why you can't. I got off for the main reason I wasnt competing to the level I wanted to be at anymore due to myself unconsciously safetying up. I was getting discouraged so I got off. Looking back with the risk I was taking. I would get off the minute I found out. My daughter's life was not worth a few barrel races.
So true.
I just cannot imagine any doctor worth anything telling a woman that it's ok to barrel racing at 6-7 months pregnant.
Yes, you could fall at home and hurt yourself, but if you fall off a horse going 20 mph, you are more than likely going to do MUCH more damage. |
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 Ima Fickle Fan
Posts: 3547
Location: Texas | This is my second pregnancy and I can tell you that no two pregnancies are the same. It doesn't matter how small you are starting out or how much your mother gained while pregnant. Each person is different and so is each pregnancy.
As long as you are riding a safe horse, there is no reason to quit. But honestly, your body and common sense will start to limit you more than anything else. I rode till 5 months with both of my pregnancies. What stopped me was it became uncomfortable to ride. It was the loosening ligaments more than my belly getting in the way. But your belly hitting the saddle horn is not comfortable. Also your center of gravity is going to change and your core strength weakens. Because of that, you are more likely to have an accident if you are still competing.
Like others have said, it sounds like you are already justifying your decision rather than doing what is in the best interest of your child. There will always be another barrel race. There will always be another horse. However, a child can never be replaced. And if something were to happen that resulted in losing the pregnancy due to horses or barrel racing, could you handle the guilt? Not only the guilt, could you enjoy an activity still that contributed to the death of a baby? I know that is worst-case scenario, but it's something to keep in mind. Honestly though, your body will tell you when to stop. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1066
| I am 7 months pregnant right now and still riding a little bit. My horse was off for an injury most of my pregnancy so that saved me from running, but I think I could (&would) have run quite comfortably until I was about 5 months. I am still in pretty good shape, and have been helping hubby by legging up his good rope horse at practice while ponying my barrel horse, and while he ropes on his prospect, but anything faster than a slow lope gets pretty uncomfortable and my kid starts jabbing his toes in my ribs.
My doctor said to do whatever feels right... that I would know if if was time to stop, or slow down or whatever. She also felt that riding a couple times a week was good exercise, and would keep my muscles strong for easy calving. That said, everything has been perfect thus far in my pregnancy, so if you have some complications it could be different for you. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
| I raced until I was 5-6 months along. The doctor told me that I could keep doing what my body was used to and there wouldn't be any complications. I didn't ride any of my young horses after I started getting a belly, I couldn't trust them enough. I think I was 3-4 months when I started showing with both kids. I was picky on where I would run, if it was known to have bad ground or if it was wet and muddy ground I wouldn't run. A fall can cause you to lose the baby, a risk I didn't want to take. At about 6 months my "mom paranoia" set in and it wasn't worth it anymore. You'll be surprised what happens to you when your hormones start jumping all over the place. Just use good judgement, if you have the slightest feeling or thought about it not being safe, don't do it. |
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I Really Love Jeans
Posts: 3173
Location: North Dakota | I remember reading an article that Charmayne James ran until she was 7months. I went to try a horse this past summer and the lady was pregnant but she still got on the horse to warm it up and show me how the horse could move. Some people can do it, but I could not my balance was gone by three months of preganacy. Your reflexes will be really off to!!!!! It is up to you if you can handle the physical pressure of pregnancy and riding. Being preganant is not easy your body parts change and your hormones will change making you feel off daily, more and more as you get closer to the full 9 months. I can tell you DO NOT have a vaginal delivery do a C section so your bits and pieces aren't damaged. It did not take me any longer to get over a C-section then it did vaginal. The muscles in your vaginal area never completely recover but your abs from a C-section will. Lots will not agree BUT I am your size and when an 8 pound child comes out women that are our size more damage is done compared to a much larger woman!!!!!!!!! LOL save yourself have a C-section!! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1898
| I ran until I was 6 months. Then I was put on modified bed rest but from other complications, not from riding.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
| I was 12 weeks pregnant when I finally decided to stop riding. I went to a race and came out of the arena hurting. My horse ran a great pattern but all the movement during the race strained my body. It felt like someone kicked me in the crotch. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | angelica - 2014-01-31 9:38 AM I remember reading an article that Charmayne James ran until she was 7months. I went to try a horse this past summer and the lady was pregnant but she still got on the horse to warm it up and show me how the horse could move. Some people can do it, but I could not my balance was gone by three months of preganacy. Your reflexes will be really off to!!!!! It is up to you if you can handle the physical pressure of pregnancy and riding. Being preganant is not easy your body parts change and your hormones will change making you feel off daily, more and more as you get closer to the full 9 months. I can tell you DO NOT have a vaginal delivery do a C section so your bits and pieces aren't damaged. It did not take me any longer to get over a C-section then it did vaginal. The muscles in your vaginal area never completely recover but your abs from a C-section will. Lots will not agree BUT I am your size and when an 8 pound child comes out women that are our size more damage is done compared to a much larger woman!!!!!!!!! LOL save yourself have a C-section!!
Women were made to give birth. There are many reasons why vaginal births are better for *most* moms and babies. C-sections are major abdominal surgery, and things can and do go wrong sometimes. IMO, telling people not to try for a vaginal birth in a normal pregnancy is Not Good advice. (I'm trying to be nice here in my choice of words). |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | aggiejudger - 2014-01-31 9:25 AM This is my second pregnancy and I can tell you that no two pregnancies are the same. It doesn't matter how small you are starting out or how much your mother gained while pregnant. Each person is different and so is each pregnancy.
As long as you are riding a safe horse, there is no reason to quit. But honestly, your body and common sense will start to limit you more than anything else. I rode till 5 months with both of my pregnancies. What stopped me was it became uncomfortable to ride. It was the loosening ligaments more than my belly getting in the way. But your belly hitting the saddle horn is not comfortable. Also your center of gravity is going to change and your core strength weakens. Because of that, you are more likely to have an accident if you are still competing.
Like others have said, it sounds like you are already justifying your decision rather than doing what is in the best interest of your child. There will always be another barrel race. There will always be another horse. However, a child can never be replaced. And if something were to happen that resulted in losing the pregnancy due to horses or barrel racing, could you handle the guilt? Not only the guilt, could you enjoy an activity still that contributed to the death of a baby? I know that is worst-case scenario, but it's something to keep in mind. Honestly though, your body will tell you when to stop.
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  Shipwrecked and Flat Out Zapped
Posts: 16390
Location: DUMPING CATS AND PIGS IN TEXAS :) | What if something happens? Are you prepared for that? |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | LRQHS - 2014-01-31 10:04 AM
What if something happens? Are you prepared for that?Â
this
I had a miscarriage a couple years ago. I wasn't riding. It was not my fault, but I still felt responsible! |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| RaceN War Eagle - 2014-01-30 10:36 PM
I just found out I am pregnant, I am maybe 5-6 weeks. I have been reading a lot about how long people were able to run for after they found out would love to hear more =)
Please don't bash me, I know there are risks ect. but this is my plan and I am just looking to hear from others with experience being competitive while pregnant.
I am very competitive and run 3 horses a weekend, I rodeo in the spring and summer. I am going to run barrels as long as possible! I am 107lbs lean built this will be my first, I am hoping to run at least 6- 7 months, is this doable? My mom only gained 15-20lbs with my sister and I. I have a busy rodeo schedule that I would like to at least make it through the 4th of July....
So long story short how long did you make it??? Thanks in advanced!!!
Congrats, your body will let you know what it can and can't handle. I suggest riding till you can't.
Pregnancy is natural, the more active you are in general the better your pregnancy and delivery will be.
Just remember to eat healthy go to you doctor regularly and if you are not a high risk you may be able to ride till your water breaks, a friend of mine did, and had no complications.
Also to the person that says to have a c section, I do have to say this is selfish unless absolutely necessary.
There are many risks to the baby with having a c section, the general anesthetic can cause a baby to go into cardiac arrest minutes after delivery. I suggest to the op please speak with your doctor, and try to get a midwife. |
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Expert
Posts: 1857
| angelica - 2014-01-31 9:38 AM
I remember reading an article that Charmayne James ran until she was 7months. I went to try a horse this past summer and the lady was pregnant but she still got on the horse to warm it up and show me how the horse could move. Some people can do it, but I could not my balance was gone by three months of preganacy. Your reflexes will be really off to!!!!! It is up to you if you can handle the physical pressure of pregnancy and riding. Being preganant is not easy your body parts change and your hormones will change making you feel off daily, more and more as you get closer to the full 9 months. I can tell you DO NOT have a vaginal delivery do a C section so your bits and pieces aren't damaged. It did not take me any longer to get over a C-section then it did vaginal. The muscles in your vaginal area never completely recover but your abs from a C-section will. Lots will not agree BUT I am your size and when an 8 pound child comes out women that are our size more damage is done compared to a much larger woman!!!!!!!!! LOL save yourself have a C-section!!Â
Completely offended here, with this statement! I'm thinking you didn't mean to do that but..well... you did! I was 133 lbs when I was 9 months prego and had my daughter. I was 140 when I had my son. My vagina ain't any bigger than it was before I had them. I think it is selfish to demand a C-section because you don't want to "damage" your lady parts. Do you advise not to breast feed either because you might get saggy tits!
Edited by FlyingJT 2014-01-31 10:12 AM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 393
| Everyone and every pregnancy is so different! My 1st one I rode until I was 5 months and probably could have went longer but it was winter and I decided just to quit.
This one, I was 2 months pregnant and went to a jackpot and on the way home I started bleeding. I took that as a sign to stay off my horses until after I have the baby!
Not sure if it was just the jarring or reaching trying to get up on my horse but why take the chance. I know another friend that was still running at 7 months. Knew of another girl that ran at a finals and was around the 5 months along mark and her horse went down. Baby was fine but it could have turned out a whole lot different. I guess it all depends what sort of a risk you want to put on your baby if something ever happened like a slip or a fall. How would you feel if something ever happened to that baby? Just something to think about!
As for the post about vaginal compared to c-section. That sort of shocks me! Yes your lady parts might not be the same after but a c-section is a MAJOR surgery. And it takes a while to actually heal those muscles INSIDE without the possibility of tearing them open again! I don't think I would choose a c-section over natural unless you HAVE to. I know I was not riding near as soon after my c-section as when I had a natural. But again everyone is different and takes different risks! |
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Ima Fickle Fan
Posts: 3547
Location: Texas | angelica - 2014-01-31 9:38 AM I remember reading an article that Charmayne James ran until she was 7months. I went to try a horse this past summer and the lady was pregnant but she still got on the horse to warm it up and show me how the horse could move. Some people can do it, but I could not my balance was gone by three months of preganacy. Your reflexes will be really off to!!!!! It is up to you if you can handle the physical pressure of pregnancy and riding. Being preganant is not easy your body parts change and your hormones will change making you feel off daily, more and more as you get closer to the full 9 months. I can tell you DO NOT have a vaginal delivery do a C section so your bits and pieces aren't damaged. It did not take me any longer to get over a C-section then it did vaginal. The muscles in your vaginal area never completely recover but your abs from a C-section will. Lots will not agree BUT I am your size and when an 8 pound child comes out women that are our size more damage is done compared to a much larger woman!!!!!!!!! LOL save yourself have a C-section!!
Since I worry when people dislike what I say, I am going to explain why I disliked the c-section advice. My first was vaginal, although I was induced to other factors. My second will be c-section for other reasons.
I know recovery is going to stink either way. But after my first, I wasn't limited in anything except healing. This time around, it will be a minimum of 6-8 weeks before I can pick up anything heavier than my child. There are way more risks associated with a c-section. Heck, if you watched Road to the American the other night, Talmadge Green talked about losing his fiance 6 days after she gave birth to their son via c-section due to a blood clot.
I am more worried about a c-section than I was about natural delivery. Also, most doctors won't do a c-section unless there are other complications. Elective c-sections are not a good idea and can have greater risks to the baby. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 393
| aggiejudger - 2014-01-31 9:15 AM angelica - 2014-01-31 9:38 AM I remember reading an article that Charmayne James ran until she was 7months. I went to try a horse this past summer and the lady was pregnant but she still got on the horse to warm it up and show me how the horse could move. Some people can do it, but I could not my balance was gone by three months of preganacy. Your reflexes will be really off to!!!!! It is up to you if you can handle the physical pressure of pregnancy and riding. Being preganant is not easy your body parts change and your hormones will change making you feel off daily, more and more as you get closer to the full 9 months. I can tell you DO NOT have a vaginal delivery do a C section so your bits and pieces aren't damaged. It did not take me any longer to get over a C-section then it did vaginal. The muscles in your vaginal area never completely recover but your abs from a C-section will. Lots will not agree BUT I am your size and when an 8 pound child comes out women that are our size more damage is done compared to a much larger woman!!!!!!!!! LOL save yourself have a C-section!! Since I worry when people dislike what I say, I am going to explain why I disliked the c-section advice. My first was vaginal, although I was induced to other factors. My second will be c-section for other reasons.
I know recovery is going to stink either way. But after my first, I wasn't limited in anything except healing. This time around, it will be a minimum of 6-8 weeks before I can pick up anything heavier than my child. There are way more risks associated with a c-section. Heck, if you watched Road to the American the other night, Talmadge Green talked about losing his fiance 6 days after she gave birth to their son via c-section due to a blood clot.
I am more worried about a c-section than I was about natural delivery. Also, most doctors won't do a c-section unless there are other complications. Elective c-sections are not a good idea and can have greater risks to the baby.
Hijacking sort of but did they say what caused the blood clot? Was she doing too much after the surgery or did it just happen?? |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| SassyPirate - 2014-01-31 10:21 AM
aggiejudger - 2014-01-31 9:15 AM angelica - 2014-01-31 9:38 AM I remember reading an article that Charmayne James ran until she was 7months. I went to try a horse this past summer and the lady was pregnant but she still got on the horse to warm it up and show me how the horse could move. Some people can do it, but I could not my balance was gone by three months of preganacy. Your reflexes will be really off to!!!!! It is up to you if you can handle the physical pressure of pregnancy and riding. Being preganant is not easy your body parts change and your hormones will change making you feel off daily, more and more as you get closer to the full 9 months. I can tell you DO NOT have a vaginal delivery do a C section so your bits and pieces aren't damaged. It did not take me any longer to get over a C-section then it did vaginal. The muscles in your vaginal area never completely recover but your abs from a C-section will. Lots will not agree BUT I am your size and when an 8 pound child comes out women that are our size more damage is done compared to a much larger woman!!!!!!!!! LOL save yourself have a C-section!!  Since I worry when people dislike what I say, I am going to explain why I disliked the c-section advice. My first was vaginal, although I was induced to other factors. My second will be c-section for other reasons.
I know recovery is going to stink either way. But after my first, I wasn't limited in anything except healing. This time around, it will be a minimum of 6-8 weeks before I can pick up anything heavier than my child. There are way more risks associated with a c-section. Heck, if you watched Road to the American the other night, Talmadge Green talked about losing his fiance 6 days after she gave birth to their son via c-section due to a blood clot.
I am more worried about a c-section than I was about natural delivery. Also, most doctors won't do a c-section unless there are other complications. Elective c-sections are not a good idea and can have greater risks to the baby.
Hijacking sort of but did they say what caused the blood clot? Was she doing too much after the surgery or did it just happen??
A c section is major abdominal surgery, when the tissue is damaged platelets go to the scene of injury (c section and this is skin, muscle, uterine wall, 3 tissue injuries the platelets go) the platelets build up to promote healing, ( these are blot clots).
The more someone is stationary, the more blood pools at these injured sites, as blood is returned back to the heart by muscle movement.
So after major surgery someone is laying for 6-12 hours maybe longer, all the blood has pooled platelets have formed blood clots.
When people start moving around this blood is removed by muscle movement, it is like opening a dam, other things are removed , and this is how blood clots are dislodged.
Once the blood clots are dislodged they float around, most of the time they aren't big enough to cause problems, but if it is a big clot it can get stuck in the heart, lungs, brain and stop blood flow in that area and this can cause stroke, cardiac arrest, and/or pulmonary embolism.
There are also physiological conditions that can affect blood clotting most people go undiagnosed until a traumatic event or pregnancy.
Also eating foods high in vitamin k can also cause the blood to clot faster.
So to rule if someone did too much or to little to throw a blood clot is impossible to do.
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 Road Rash Expert
Posts: 5501
Location: Near San Antonio, TX | I am one of those who competed until I was about 4 months along or so. After that I jsut didn't think it was worth it. I did, however, continue riding up until the very, very end. Mostly trail riding. It is my way to decompress. My labor/deliver was a complete piece of cake, and my doctor agrees that it is because I had kept myself so fit. I also went to the gym when I was prego. The only time in my life I was a member of a gym. I was so afraid I was going to get fat! LOL! I didn't tho. I was 125 when I got prego, I maxed out at 147 and 5 days after I had her I was 122 in my size 1 jeans with a flat stomach.
Needless to say, do what you are comfortable with and with risks that you are comfortable taking.
In response to the comment about not doing a vaginal delivery so it wont mess up your lady parts... Well it is kinda stretchy, and my hoo-haa is no worse for the wear!!  |
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| Three 4 Luck - 2014-01-31 10:58 AM angelica - 2014-01-31 9:38 AM I remember reading an article that Charmayne James ran until she was 7months. I went to try a horse this past summer and the lady was pregnant but she still got on the horse to warm it up and show me how the horse could move. Some people can do it, but I could not my balance was gone by three months of preganacy. Your reflexes will be really off to!!!!! It is up to you if you can handle the physical pressure of pregnancy and riding. Being preganant is not easy your body parts change and your hormones will change making you feel off daily, more and more as you get closer to the full 9 months. I can tell you DO NOT have a vaginal delivery do a C section so your bits and pieces aren't damaged. It did not take me any longer to get over a C-section then it did vaginal. The muscles in your vaginal area never completely recover but your abs from a C-section will. Lots will not agree BUT I am your size and when an 8 pound child comes out women that are our size more damage is done compared to a much larger woman!!!!!!!!! LOL save yourself have a C-section!! Women were made to give birth. There are many reasons why vaginal births are better for *most* moms and babies. C-sections are major abdominal surgery, and things can and do go wrong sometimes. IMO, telling people not to try for a vaginal birth in a normal pregnancy is Not Good advice. (I'm trying to be nice here in my choice of words).
i agree with you to darn many say opps i am prego stop living eat all i want and quit
crap i put put 2 truck loads of hay the day before justin was born i went bowling but that fun till later in day i payed for that
stay active easier on you c section is what dr wants so he can go play golf
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 Veteran
Posts: 168
Location: Wyoming | With my first I was working on the ranch here so I was moving cattle/barrel raced until I was 7 months. I was in great shape and wearing pants in one size larger than normal. I was in the saddle constantly. Not many barrel races here in Jan through March. I kept trail riding off and on until about a month before I gave birth. My gelding I rode is 15.3 was difficult to get on him.
My oldest was 9 months old when I got pregnant with my second. I ran until I was again 7 months. At 6 months preggo I went to a barrel clinic.
I found that at around 7 months is when I couldn't ride as well and my balance was a little off and my barrel horse is 15.3 1400lbs (yes we actually weighed him) and very powerful. I know people that rode the whole time. Yes, there can be accidents and things can happen so you nee to determine what you are comfortable with. My Dr said since my body was so used to it he had no problem with it Just no Colts. |
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