Can You Bowl During Pregnancy?

 Lisa Smiley Profile Photo
By Dr. Lisa Smiley | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Bowl During Pregnancy?

Bowling is a fun, low-impact activity that can be considered safe during pregnancy, but it does come with certain considerations. 

Hormonal changes 1 during pregnancy contribute to increased laxity in your ligaments 2 , the connective tissue supporting your joints. In combination with the asymmetrical motions of bowling, this may lead to increased discomfort in your back, pelvis, or hips. Bowling also involves a lot of lifting, so picking a lighter ball and being mindful of your lifting mechanics can be helpful in reducing discomfort. 

Also keep in mind that your center of gravity shifts during pregnancy because of your belly, so your balance may feel altered. And don’t forget that the bowling lanes are kept slick, so try not to cross the line to prevent falling.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. Colleen M. Fitzgerald, Neil A. Segal"Musculoskeletal Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum"Springer Linkhttps://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-14319-4.

  2. Yosra Cherni, David Desseauve, Arnaud Decatoire, Nikolaus Veit-Rubinc, Mickaël Begon, Fabrice Pierre, Laetitia Fradet"Evaluation of ligament laxity during pregnancy"Science Direct, vol. 48, no. 5Feb 20, 2019, pp. 351-357https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30794956/.


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Updated on Dec 3, 2023

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Can You Bowl During Pregnancy?

 Lisa Smiley Profile Photo
By Dr. Lisa Smiley | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Bowl During Pregnancy?

Bowling is a fun, low-impact activity that can be considered safe during pregnancy, but it does come with certain considerations. 

Hormonal changes 1 during pregnancy contribute to increased laxity in your ligaments 2 , the connective tissue supporting your joints. In combination with the asymmetrical motions of bowling, this may lead to increased discomfort in your back, pelvis, or hips. Bowling also involves a lot of lifting, so picking a lighter ball and being mindful of your lifting mechanics can be helpful in reducing discomfort. 

Also keep in mind that your center of gravity shifts during pregnancy because of your belly, so your balance may feel altered. And don’t forget that the bowling lanes are kept slick, so try not to cross the line to prevent falling.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. Colleen M. Fitzgerald, Neil A. Segal"Musculoskeletal Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum"Springer Linkhttps://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-14319-4.

  2. Yosra Cherni, David Desseauve, Arnaud Decatoire, Nikolaus Veit-Rubinc, Mickaël Begon, Fabrice Pierre, Laetitia Fradet"Evaluation of ligament laxity during pregnancy"Science Direct, vol. 48, no. 5Feb 20, 2019, pp. 351-357https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30794956/.


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