Medical professionals strongly recommend against jumping on a trampoline during the second trimester of pregnancy, and generally throughout the entire term. The second trimester, spanning weeks 13 through 27, introduces specific physiological changes that dramatically increase the risks associated with high-impact activities like rebounding. While maintaining an active lifestyle is encouraged during a healthy pregnancy, any activity that involves a high risk of falling or puts excessive strain on the body’s changing structure is usually contraindicated. The potential for injury to the mother and the developing fetus outweighs any perceived fitness benefits.
Why the Second Trimester Changes the Risk Profile
The body undergoes significant hormonal and biomechanical changes during the second trimester that make activities requiring coordination and stability increasingly hazardous. The hormone relaxin, which is present throughout pregnancy, causes ligaments to loosen in preparation for labor, especially those in the pelvis. This increased joint laxity affects all joints, making them more susceptible to sprains or strains from sudden, forceful movements. The growing uterus and fetus also cause a shift in the pregnant person’s center of gravity, which alters posture and gait, leading to a loss of natural balance and coordination. The combination of loosened joints and a changing center of gravity means the body is less able to quickly correct itself during an unexpected movement, such as an unbalanced landing on a trampoline.
The Specific Risks Associated With Rebounding
Rebounding on a trampoline creates physical mechanisms that compound the risks of pregnancy. The most immediate and significant concern is the greatly increased fall risk, as approximately 27% of pregnant individuals experience an accidental fall. The loss of control inherent in jumping, combined with compromised balance, makes a hard fall on the abdomen or back a distinct possibility. Beyond the risk of direct trauma, the repetitive, high-impact force of bouncing places extreme downward pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of developing stress incontinence or long-term pelvic floor dysfunction. Furthermore, the combination of jumping force and relaxin-loosened joints increases the likelihood of muscle strains, ligament sprains, and back pain.
Official Medical Guidelines and Recommendations
General medical consensus advises against participating in activities that carry a high risk of falling, abdominal trauma, or extreme joint stress during pregnancy. Organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend avoiding activities where there is an increased risk of falling to prevent injury to the pregnant person and the baby. While moderate exercise is encouraged for a healthy pregnancy, activities deemed high-impact or involving rapid changes in direction, like trampolining, are discouraged after the first trimester. This is due to the accumulating physiological changes that make maintaining control and stability difficult.
Safe Alternatives to High-Impact Exercise
Pregnant individuals looking to maintain fitness during the second trimester have many safe, low-impact alternatives to high-impact activities. Water-based exercises, such as swimming or aqua aerobics, are highly recommended because the buoyancy supports the body, reducing pressure on joints and minimizing the risk of falls. Brisk walking is an excellent, low-impact cardiovascular option safe to continue throughout pregnancy. Stationary cycling, rather than outdoor biking, eliminates the fall risk associated with balance issues. Exercises like prenatal yoga and Pilates are also beneficial, as they focus on core control, strengthening, and flexibility without the jarring impact of jumping.