Just found out that you’re pregnant? Congratulations! However, while caring for your physical health when pregnant is important (at times exhausting), most mothers (or mothers to be) often forget about their mental health. Some remember and make sure to go out and have fun in amusement parks and other recreational facilities, but doing so can be tough if it’s currently snowing in your location.
However, this doesn’t mean that the fun should stop there. You could go out, hop on a snowmobile, and have some fun! (I can already hear you asking, “Is it safe to snowmobile while pregnant?” The short answer is yes, you can. However, you’ll have to take the necessary precautions to ensure that you stay safe.
So, is it safe to ride a snowmobile while pregnant?
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There isn’t any definite answer to this question. Most doctors don’t recommend it, and it’s a debatable issue with good reason. However, if you are a snow junkie (or want to try something new), it’s somewhat hard to convince you not to go snowmobiling. Thus, the simple answer is that you could go snowmobiling after clearing the issue with your doctor and taking the necessary precautions.
You’ll have to be aware that suffering various injuries like strains, sprains, broken bones, and hard impacts on your abdominal area could cause you to experience trauma that can affect you and your unborn child. The most critical injuries you may sustain during your adventure are those that may cause placental disruption.
Placental disruption refers to the separation of the placenta and the uterus. Other risks also include preterm labor (premature birth between the 20th and 37th week of pregnancy) and PROM (Premature rupture of membrane), a condition where the amniotic sac ruptures before the onset of labor.
Thus, some winter activities are better left untested when pregnant, while you can only do others if you exercise caution. Thus, you could go snowmobiling depending on what your obstetrician recommends and how you feel about your physical health. However, it would be best to plan the activity and ensure that you’ve got and thought about everything you need. But first:
What is snowmobiling?
You may already know this, but if you are new to this pastime fun activity and want to try it out, snowmobiling (also known as sledding) refers to riding a snowmobile. A snowmobile is a motor vehicle equipped with caterpillar tracks or runners and used for traveling over the snow.
80 % of annual snowmobile users use the machine for recreational purposes. In comparison, the other 20% use it for useful purposes like checking forest lands, winter rescue, repairing telephone and power lines, and winter transportation. Ridding one during the winter while observing the white snow and beautiful sceneries is a feeling that you’ll never find anywhere else.
Precautions for pregnant women
As mentioned before, snowmobiling can be dangerous. However, there are several precautions that you’ll need to take into advisement and apply before starting your trip. The precautions are meant to ensure that you don’t encounter any problems that could seriously affect you or your pregnancy. They include:
Consulting your obstetrician
You’ll need to consult your obstetrician before deciding to go snowmobiling. If you decide to go snowmobiling, various conditions could put you at risk (especially if you get diagnosed with such a condition). One of the conditions is Preeclampsia. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage, especially the liver (and) or kidneys.
The condition often starts during the 20th week of pregnancy and could be fatal if not managed properly. You must follow your obstetrician’s advice and avoid participating in taxing activities if you’ve developed this condition. Other conditions include carrying more than one baby, which is physically taxing to the mother.
Ride on smooth terrain
Please avoid driving your snowmobile on rough terrain. Rough terrains result in jarring rides that can compromise your amniotic sac’s integrity. A hard blow to your abdominal area could separate the amniotic sac from the uterus, which could cause a miscarriage, especially if you are in the first trimester.
Suppose Especially this happens while you are out snowmobiling. In that case, the best thing to do is get in touch with emergency rescue services for quick extraction and delivery to a medical facility. You can’t afford to wait, and being transported back to the medical facility on a snowmobile should be your last option. Being airlifted may be expensive, but it could save your life.
Eat and stay hydrated.
Pregnant women need all the calories they can get. Thus, you must eat and hydrate at short intervals. Remember to carry enough snacks, water, or any other drinks that are rich in electrolytes to maintain your blood-sugar level.
Not packing enough food or water puts you at risk of suffering the effects of low blood sugar, i.e., fainting or losing consciousness. If this happens while you’re still riding your snowmobile, the results could be catastrophic.
Watch out for any sign of discomfort.
You should be on the lookout for any signs of discomfort, including headaches, bleeding, leaking amniotic fluid, nausea, and shortness of breath. You should follow any such signs or symptoms by making your way back home and seeking medical assistance from professional medics closest to you.
It will help if someone from your group of friends knows how to perform first aid. They could help stabilize you while waiting for medical professionals to arrive and transport you to the hospital.
Quit if you have any second thoughts
Your intuition is better than what any doctor or website could ever tell you. Thus, if you get any bad vibes and feel like you don’t want to go, you shouldn’t. Listen to your body and quit the trip. There’s always another day for snowmobiling.
-Staying safe during pregnancy has lots of benefits. For instance, you’ll feel healthier, fitter, and less stressed. Having fun and spending more time in natural environments triggers your body to produce endorphins that make you more relaxed, happy, and content. These are some of the reasons you should consider snowmobiling, but we’ll dive into them later.
This article provides you with all the information you need to ensure that you have a fun time snowmobiling; however, let’s begin by listing everything you’ll need to do to ensure that you stay safe and healthy during your fun adventure. So, how do you go about it, and what do you need
to do?
How to stay safe while snowmobiling
Snowmobiling can be dangerous if not done right, and expectant mothers that don’t take precautions put both their life and their unborn child’s life at risk. If you are expectant, then you should take all the necessary precautions to ensure that you, your child, and anyone else you plan on having fun with is safe.
Here is a list of all safety tips you should consider before planning your snowmobiling adventure. This is important, especially if it’s your first time snowmobiling. You’ll need to start with the most basic recommended safety instructions. You should:
Take a snowmobiling safety course.
Various states have different rules regarding snowmobiling; however, most of them require you to take a snowmobiling safety course and have a certificate as proof. The course is intended to instruct you on what you need to do to have a safe ride. You’ll also be taught how to ride responsibly and the rules you’ll need to follow.
This course is an absolute necessity for first-time riders (or drivers) since it teaches you about various riding techniques, how to operate your snowmobile, and what to do to avoid hazards. All the lessons learned are important since they’ll help you stay safe and be ready for any surprises that could lead to an accident.
Check the weather forecast in advance and stay informed about the trail’s conditions.
The weather can be extremely unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to be caught up in a snowstorm. Thus, checking the weather in advance helps you plan (or cancel your plans) depending on the weather patterns. This may look like a simple precaution; however, it doesn’t hurt to know that you have one less thing to worry about.
You should also check your trail to ensure that it’s safe. For instance, you may find out that the trail is frozen or dangerous too late. It’s always safer to avoid snowmobiling on ice (especially if you are a beginner) because it can break under the snowmobile’s weight. You should also check out for chances of an avalanche.
Wear appropriate protective gear and clothes
Keeping warm and dry while you ride will help make your adventure more enjoyable, fun, and safe. Thus, you should ensure that you dress in a fitting snowmobile suit that consists of a jacket with insulated bibs. You should dress in layers under the insulated suit to trap any heat produced by your body.
Avoid wearing fabrics made of cotton because they absorb your sweat, become wet, and freeze, which could cause you to lose heat. Instead, you should use fabrics made from polyester blends because they help draw moisture away from your body. Ensure that you wear a face shield, some goggles, or (preferably) a complete face helmet.
You should also wear heavy socks, waterproof (insulated) gloves, winter boots, a facemask, and a winter hat. Ensure that you wear approved gear that’s been tested and certified to keep users warm and protect them from various types of injury. Lastly, ensure that the clothes fit appropriately and don’t lose heat from any gaps.
Inspect the snowmobile before you go for a ride
Ensure that you inspect your snowmobile and confirm that it’s running properly before you go out for a ride. It’s even better if you have it inspected by a professional since you won’t want to be stranded in the cold snow in case the engine (or some other part) fails. It would also help to carry the owner’s manual with you during your trip.
Take the snowmobile for service before your trip (if you own one privately) or check with management (if you’re renting) to ensure that it’s safe to ride. You should check (or have it checked) the oil level, brakes, battery, skis, drive belt, fuel, throttle, headlights, taillights, and handlebars. You should also let the snowmobile’s engine run for a few minutes to warm up before you start your trip.
Bring a friend
Riding by yourself is fun, but you know what could be even more fun? Riding with friends. Riding with a group of friends is also safer, especially if you choose to go on trails you haven’t been to before. Snowmobiling with friends provides the option of getting (or giving) help in case of an accident or if your snowmobile breaks down.
You should also inform a friend or family member about your trip. Inform them about your plans, the route you plan to take, and when you expect to be back if something happens and you get stranded. Remember that cell phones often don’t work in remote locations, and informing the third party will be helpful in case something happens.
Carry an emergency kit, a first-aid kit, and a repair kit
You must be prepared regardless of how short your trip may be. You could do this by bringing first aid, emergency, and repair kits with you in case of any eventuality. There is always a chance that something wrong (like an accident) may happen during your trip. Bringing these items with you could help you manage the situation while you wait for help.
Your first aid kit should contain bandages, hand sanitizer, adhesive tape, disinfecting wipes, and band-aids. Your emergency kit should have a flashlight, waterproof matches, a map, a compass, water, snacks, a knife, and a blanket. Your repair kit should also have essential items, including a tow rope, duct tape, repair tools, an extra belt, a pry bar, and spark plugs.
Stay alert
You must stay alert and observe your surroundings during your trip. For instance, you should watch out for obstacles like rocks, barbed wire fences, fallen trees, open water, ditches, and other riders. You should also look out for snowbanks, hikers, skiers, and other animals.
Going as a group will also be beneficial since you can all help each other watch out for obstacles. You should let an experienced rider lead the group if this is your first time snowmobiling. They’ll be able to detect any hazards quicker than you can and keep you safe from any accidents.
Avoid frozen rivers
You must avoid riding your snowmobile on frozen water bodies. Doing so will be risking your life since there’s the possibility that you could fall into freezing water. Ridin on ice presents many problems, including finding it hard to stop, getting into uncontrollable spins, and chances of breaking the ice.
If you have to cross frozen lakes, it would help scout ahead, give enough distance between each snowmobile, maintain a low (but steady) speed, and avoid applying your brakes abruptly. If you want to stop, then you’ll have to release the throttle and coast safely to a halt. Note: Carry (and wear) a life jacket as a precaution.
DO NOT speed
Professionals recommend that regular snowmobilers shouldn’t drive at high speeds. Many trails have speed limits; however, as an expectant mother, you are responsible for driving your snowmobile at a slower, more manageable speed. Doing so helps you detect any obstacles that could cause you to have an accident.
For instance, you may decide to drive fast on an officially approved trail and find yourself driving into a recent obstacle that’s fallen right into your path. You won’t have enough time to react, and the chances are that you’ll drive directly into it, putting you and your child’s life at risk. It’s safer for you to drive within the speed limit and (at times) go even slower if you are unsure.
Stay on the trail
It’s safer to follow marked trails since they probably don’t have any hazards. The trails are groomed and inspected regularly to ensure that they are safe to ride through. Riding your snowmobile off the trail could result in accidents since you’ll be riding on unfamiliar and uninspected terrain. Plus, there is a chance that �public’ terrains may pass through private property, and unless you’ve got permission from the owner, you may be in trouble for trespassing.
The trail could be closed for future use if the owner decides to take legal action. Thus, it would be best to act responsibly and follow all trail markers and posted signs.
Use motorcyclist precautions
Similar to driving on public roads, it’s important (and safer) to indicate your next move, especially when riding with a group of friends. You could use similar precautions as those used by motorcycle riders to boost your safety while riding the snowmobile. They include:
- Scanning your entire field of vision regularly
- Avoid letting your eyes rest on a certain point for too long
- Look ahead and around to identify any potential hazards
- Expect the worst whenever you ride your snowmobile
- Assume that the snowmobiler heading in your direction doesn’t notice you and won’t stop on time
- Have a plan of action before you get too close to the hazards
- Execute your plan
You could use signs to communicate with other riders and inform them on whether you want to stop, slow down, turn right, or go left. These signs are meant to make it safe for you and other riders to commute. They include:
- Slowing down: You’ll have to put your left arm outwards and downwards. Move it downwards (towards the snowmobile) following a flapping motion to indicate that you plan on slowing down.
- Stopping: Stretch your left arm straight into the air above your head and keep your palm flat.
- Right turn: Move your arm to the side and raise your forearm upwards, keeping your palm flat.
- Left turn: Extend your left arm towards the direction you want to make the turn (left).
Bring some flares, a GPS, an Ice pick, and a small shovel.
You’ll need to bring the tools mentioned above and a GPS tracking device in case you get lost. You could use the ice pick and shovel to dig your snowmobile out, plus some flares and a GPS tracking device to indicate your location. As mentioned before, you must dress appropriately. You don’t want to be caught out in the snow with clothes that aren’t thermo-insulated.
Don’t attempt any drops or jumps.
Snowmobiling can be lots of fun, and you may be tempted to try a few tricks and turns. However, we advise against this and request you exercise caution during your trip. Remember that any jumps or drops could affect your pregnancy, especially if you are in the third trimester or have a condition.
Things you’ll need to carry
If you plan on going snowmobiling when pregnant, you’ll need to carry certain items that could help you have a safer and more comfortable trip. These items are a must-have since they are meant to facilitate your trip ensure your safety and health. These items include:
All necessary medication
You must carry all prescribed medications in preparation for unwanted situations where you may need your medication. Pregnancy is critical, and going into the wild without your medication could be disastrous.
Note: It’s also important that you carry your health certificate with you as an added precaution.
Carry some antibacterial gel
You should also carry some antibacterial gel to prevent any bacterial infections. If you don’t have any gel and are in a rush, you could substitute them for wet wipes. Ensure that you pack the wet wipes or antibacterial gel in your backpack when you hit the terrain.
One or two comfortable scarves
Carry a soft and comfortable scarf that you could use to cover your belly for some extra warmth and protection. Ensure that the scarf is made from the right material and that it’s flexible, breathable, and comfortable.
Bands
You should also carry some bands in case you’ll be riding your snowmobile throughout the day. The bands are designed to support the baby bump and can be worn under the clothes. Doing this will protect you from lower abdominal and back pain.
Compression socks
Pregnant women have one symptom that could cause them to have a bad time while snowmobiling-swollen legs and feet. This is a common complication during pregnancy; however, you could get around it using compression socks. The socks are different from regular socks, and they are designed to protect the users from getting their feet cold and boost circulation.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can you ride a snowmobile while pregnant?
Snowmobiling while pregnant can be risky when you’re pregnant. However, if you want to do it, you’ll have to exercise caution and avoid dangerous terrain, sudden stops, and dangerous driving. Ensure that you choose a good snowmobile, wear appropriate clothes, and pack the necessary safety gear.
What rides do pregnant women avoid?
You should avoid water slides, amusement park rides, roller coasters, or other rides that produce forceful impacts and abrupt stops since they could harm your unborn baby. Instead, you could choose recreational activities that have minimal risks and aren’t too demanding.
Are bumpy rides safe during pregnancy?
Bumpy rides aren’t safe, especially if you are pregnant. The actual ride may not be a problem, but you could be involved in an accident that could affect your pregnancy. You could go if your doctor assures you that there won’t be a problem; however, it’s still a risk that you should avoid.
Can snow affect pregnancy?
Studies show that pregnant women exposed to extremely hot or cold weather in their third trimester had a 31% chance of birthing babies with a low birth weight than those exposed to mild weather. However, you shouldn’t take these studies too seriously since you’ll only be heading out into the snow for a few days at a time.
Thus, there is a minimal chance that the cold weather will affect your unborn child’s weight compared to pregnant mothers that spend all their time in the cold weather. However, if you are worried and still want to go snowmobiling, it’s probably safe to do so with moderation, wear appropriate attire, and follow safety precautions.
Conclusion
Snowmobiling is fun, and you shouldn’t give it up just because you are pregnant. Instead, you should visit your doctor and get an informed diagnosis that’ll determine if you are safe to go snowmobiling while pregnant. If the doctor finds a condition that makes it difficult for you to snowboard, it’s probably a good idea not to go snowmobiling.
If they don’t, then it’s an opportunity for you to have as much fun as you can. However, you’ll have to ensure that you take all necessary precautions for safety. Choose a good trail, have all your safety gear, go with a friend, and leave a message noting where you are and how your family can find you. Have fun!
In case of anything, feel free to get in touch rachelbeest101 at gmail dot com
