Tubing, whether on water or snow, is not recommended during pregnancy by medical professionals. This activity carries a high risk of sudden impact, falls, and blunt abdominal trauma, which can endanger both the pregnant person and the developing fetus. The jolting movements and potential for collision mean tubing should be postponed until after delivery.
Why Tubing Poses a Risk to Pregnancy
Tubing involves sliding down a slope or being pulled behind a boat, exposing the participant to unpredictable, high-speed forces and abrupt stops. These jarring movements create a significant risk of blunt abdominal trauma, the leading cause of injury-related complications in pregnancy. The risk comes from being thrown from the tube, colliding with another object or person, or being subjected to extreme bouncing motions.
High-impact forces directed at the abdomen can cause placental abruption, where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall. This separation can deprive the fetus of oxygen and nutrients and cause severe bleeding in the pregnant person, sometimes requiring emergency delivery.
The forceful motions can also strain the pregnant person’s body, even if direct trauma is avoided. Excessive bouncing can cause cramping and soreness. The rapid, uncontrolled speed and movement can also lead to hyperextension or twisting of joints and ligaments, increasing the risk of sprains or other musculoskeletal injuries.
Safety Recommendations Based on Trimester
The risk profile for high-impact activities changes as the pregnancy advances, though the recommendation to avoid tubing remains constant. In the first trimester, the uterus is protected deep within the bony pelvis, offering some cushioning against minor external forces. However, severe blunt trauma still carries a risk of miscarriage or other complications.
As the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters, the risk significantly escalates due to physiological changes and the growing uterus. The uterus rises out of the pelvis, making it more exposed and vulnerable to direct impact from the front. The hormone relaxin softens and loosens ligaments and joints throughout the body, making the pregnant person more susceptible to joint injury from sudden, forceful movements or falls.
A shifting center of gravity also affects balance and coordination, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. This change increases the likelihood of an accidental fall or a clumsy dismount from the tube, leading to greater potential for injury. By the third trimester, the fetus is larger and the uterine wall is thinner, meaning the fetus and placenta absorb more energy from any traumatic force, making placental abruption a more common complication.
Enjoying Safer Water and Snow Activities
While high-impact activities are off-limits, staying active with safer alternatives is encouraged for a healthy pregnancy. For water recreation, swimming is an excellent exercise throughout pregnancy. The buoyancy of the water supports the growing abdomen and relieves pressure on joints.
Gentle floating in a calm pool or a slow-moving, controlled lazy river is a low-impact way to enjoy the water without the risk of sudden stops or collisions. Controlled water activities like gentle canoeing or kayaking can also be safe, provided the water is calm and the movement is controlled entirely by the pregnant person. Activities involving speed, rough water, or being towed should be avoided.
Safer snow activities should prioritize stability and low speed to minimize the risk of falls. Walking on flat, well-maintained trails with appropriate, supportive footwear is a great way to enjoy the winter scenery. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on groomed, level terrain are also safe, as they are low-impact and allow for controlled movement.