Snowboarding is generally not recommended 1 during pregnancy because of the increased risk of falling.
The high speeds of snowboarding put you more at risk of higher-impact falls. A fall on your belly could be dangerous for you and your baby and lead to preterm labor, placental abruption, hemorrhage, or premature rupture of membranes 2 . You also don’t want to risk orthopedic injuries like ACL tears or broken bones during pregnancy. If you are an experienced rider and still want to snowboard, talk with your healthcare provider about modifications you can make to be more safe.
If you’re looking for a winter activity that’s lower-risk, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on established trails, which are both great for your cardiovascular fitness. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends avoiding activities above 6,000 feet elevation 1 unless you already live at a high altitude, so discuss travel plans with your provider.
