Kickboxing While Pregnant

I kickboxed for a while (competitively), I think as long as you keep the kicks low you will be alright. I was told that if you are doing an activity before you get pregnant you can continue them while you are pregnant.

However, I would rule out sparring with a partner. Even if the person you are sparring with is aware that you are pregnant accidents happen.

I have a friend who taught kickboxing until she was 8 months along! She had a very healthy baby :) So I know it can be done.

I did kickboxing and TaeBo through 2 pregnancies, all the way to the end. I didn't need to adjust anything, either.
Just listen to your body,and you're fine to keep doing what you're doing. :)

Ask your doctor first, but I kickboxed until I was 8 months pregnant. No issues at all :)

I'm betting the farm everyone will say to check with your doctor before you do anything.

Are you kicking a weighted bag or sparring with a live partner?
I would think sparring would be out of the question - you don't want to risk even an accidental blow to your lower abdomen.
You should be fine with other movements until your joints loosen too much to control or your center of balance shifts.
When these things will happen depends on genetics, whether you've had kids before, etc.
See what your doctor has to say about it.

I am a group fitness instructor and I have taught classes through 2 of my 5 pregnancies. I have learned that OBs can have a range of opinions on exercise while pregnant, I think most of them err on the side of being too conservative. The best advice is to listen to your own body and use common sense. Figure out what feels okay for you. Kickboxing is definitely safe, if you feel good doing it. Your bladder might protest if you are jumping around too much. But unless you have any special issues, the baby is generally very safe and your body will warn you that something is not okay well before your baby is an danger. I felt much better and delivered easier in the pregnancies that I exercised through. I think that the biggest risk is having a baby that is used to being in motion, then you'll have to practice that boxer shuffle at 2AM while you're trying to get him to sleep!

Ask the instructor. One of my friends is a trainer, she knows exactly how much you can do and for how long when you are pregnant.

Just from my experience with the workout you don't want to do it when your center of gravity starts shifting, you will fall wayyy too much and most likely pull muscles.

Guys, on this one, not a doctor. A doctor will refer you to the certified trainer for specifics. Can you just imagine a doctor trying to keep up with all the newest techniques for bringing a child into this world and every exercise fad? Nope, there is a reason certified trainers go through the training they do.

Thanks for asking this question. I too found out this week that I am pregnant. My husband and I have been working out for some time as well and we were having the same questions as you. We do Kenpo Karate, yoga. So I'll take it down a notch and listen to my body. My third pregnancy as well and I am 38 and excited and nervous. Good luck to you and God bless.

Sorry, I know one person said to ask a trainer and not a doctor -- but the trainer doesn't know about the anatomy of a pregnant woman like a doctor would. I would not want to put my pregnancy's success in the hands of a trainer, however great he or she was. I'd ask my obstetrician and mine, at least, wouldn't refer me back to a trainer; she'd check the literature and ask other doctors and give me an informed answer. (But I have a pretty great doctor.) Not all doctors automatically default to either "Ask a trainer" or "Don't ever do anything ever again while pregnant."

There are many kinds of exercise, including pretty vigorous ones, you can do while pregnant; why take the risk of doing any exercise that could create problems? Do some research on other forms of exercise too. If you can't kickbox, well, you will get back to kickboxing in less than 9 months anyway.

I don't understand why some women are SO stubborn that they MUST keep their pre-pregnancy excersize routines(running,diving ,hiking,kickboxing, ect), knowing that they pose a risk. It's great that you work out, no need to stop that, but there are plenty of things you can do to stay in shape without putting your pregnancy in jeopardy. I know it's blunt, but that's just MY opinion. Best of luck to you.

can't you just walk? What do you wan't to hear-by all means, take a chance?

If you are truly concerned, talk to your ob. However, you are asking us, so I will tell you what my ob said. You are generally safe if you are used to the activity. ie picking up laundry is ok, but hauling lumber is not. So, you have been doing kickboxing for a while- you're fine. Just don't do contact boxing! Of course. Congrats and God bless!

I think you will be fine.
Most of us do not have to change our normal exercise routine while pregnant. Your body will let you know when it's time to slow down. I'm sure being moderate in your routine should have no negative side effects. You will unconsieciously be protecting your womb.
I swam until the day before I delivered.
I think a lot of moms put on weight because they stop taking care of their bodies while pregnant, big no no in my book. Being in good shape helps you to snap back after delivery so much faster!

Ask your doctor. Also your instructor, s/he may have some modified movements for you, if necessary.

My opinion, only if you are a kangaroo! Seriously, take your doctor's advice.

I kick box and woman in my class did it until about 2 weeks before she was due. This was her 3rd pregnancy as well and she said she felt great. She did modify what she was doing as she got closer to her delivery date (like not doing the crunches during warm-up) and she was just fine.

As long as you have the ok from your doctor then go for it! I have a zumba instructor that taught classes until she was about 8 mos preg. She wore a support belt around her stomach. As her pregnancy progressed, she started adapting her moves so she wasn't jarring the baby.