Pregnancy doesn’t mean to put your life on pause or wrap yourself in bubble wrap (as fun as that might sound). I refer to this journey as a bit like being on a road trip.
There are tons of things you can still do, but sometimes, you might need to take a different route. It’s basically about staying safe and keeping cozy for both you and your baby.
So, when it comes to axe throwing—a fun activity where you get to throw real axes at targets, kind of like darts, but way more epic—I’m here to help you figure out if it’s a green light or if you should perhaps park that idea for later.
Can you axe throw when pregnant?
Technically, yes, you can. But it’s a bit like deciding to eat spicy food when you’ve got a sensitive stomach – possible, but you’ve gotta think it through.
Firstly, going the whole hog(or staying active) is actually a thumbs-up during pregnancy because it’s good for your health and mood.
Now, throwing axes is a bit unusual compared to taking a walk or doing yoga, but hey, if it’s your jam, we get it! The thing is, at this time that you’re pregnant, your body’s working extremely hard to create a tiny human, which means it’s also going through a lot of changes.
One big change is how your balance takes a bit of a vacation because of your growing bump. Holding and throwing an axe requires a good sense of balance to avoid taking a tumble.
Plus, there’s a hormone called relaxin running through your body, making your joints more flexible — great for preparing to give birth, not so great if you’re swinging axes.
But let’s say you’re really missing that feeling of landing a bullseye. Here’s the game plan: Chat with your doctor. Just like you’d check in before trying out any new exercise, talk to your healthcare provider. They know your specific situation and can give you the green light or suggest waiting.
Now, assuming your doctor has given you the go-ahead and you feel steady on your feet, there’s no reason you can’t still enjoy this unique hobby.
Just be sure you’re in a space where safety is the name of the game and the team knows you’re pregnant so they can keep an extra-close eye on you. You can even adjust it to fit your needs now.
At the end of the day, you know your body best. If it’s giving you the green light and you’re feeling fabulous, then why not? Just remember to take it easy and keep it safe — you’re a team now, after all.
And if you find that axe throwing might be a bit more daring than you’re ready for at the moment, no worries! There’s a whole world of pregnancy-friendly activities out there. I’ll talk bout some of these in this post.
Potential Risks of Axe Throwing During Pregnancy
As your belly grows, so does your center of gravity. This means even if you were as steady as a rock before, you might find yourself a bit more wobbly now. Imagine trying to throw an axe, and you kinda feel like you’re on a swaying ship — definitely not the best idea, right?
Then, there’s the “oops” factor. In fact, even if you’ve got a PhD in axe throwing or are the queen of axe throwing, accidents can happen.
An axe can slip, or a piece of wood can fly in the wrong direction. Normally, it might just be a bruise, but when you’re pregnant, we’re playing it on super-safe mode.
Also, think about your back for a sec. Pregnancy can make your back act like a moody friend on its best days. Throwing axes requires you to twist and turn, which might make your back say, “Nope, not today,” leaving you aching and sore.
Loud noises, like the ones you might hear during axe throwing, from the cheers, music and the general hubbub of the venue, can be a bit much when you’re pregnant.
Research suggests that sounds well over 115 decibels could be stressful for you and might not be ideal for your baby’s hearing development.
Now, does this mean fun is canceled? Absolutely not!… Here are some tips to help you go through this safely.
Tips and Recommendations for Pregnant Axe Throwers
Here are some friendly tips and recommendations for all you soon-to-be super moms who want to keep on throwing:
Get your doctor’s thumbs up
Just a quick and easy first step before you go for that awesome axe action: let’s make sure your doc says it’s A-OK.
Chatting with your doctor is like asking a friend for advice—except this friend knows a ton about baby-growing. Tell them you’re thinking about keeping up with axe throwing. They’ll let you know if it’s safe for you and your baby-on-board.
Your doc might say, “Sure, go ahead,” and give you some tips to stay safe. Or they might say, “Let’s try something else fun for now.” Either way, they’re looking out for you, which is pretty sweet.
Listen to your body
If you’re lining up to toss that axe and your body is sending you the vibes of, “Hey, I’m not quite feeling it,” then that’s your cue to take a little breather, maybe cheer from the sidelines or grab a snack.
And if you’re feeling like a superhero, and your doc has given you the green light, then go for it—but keep one ear on your body’s tunes. Your body is your best buddy in this adventure and it knows the score. It tells you when everything’s cool and when it’s time to chill.
Choose the Right Environment
Finding a perfect (or at least a mere perfect) place to throw axes at this time is super important. Think of it as looking for a great park for a picnic. You’d want it to be clean, safe, and friendly, right? That’s what we’re aiming for here.
First off, you want to go somewhere made for axe throwing. These places know all about keeping things safe so you can focus on having fun and feeling like a superhero. They’ve got the right setup, and they look after their equipment.
The whole vibe of the place gets into the picture, too. Just like you’d pick a café with the best atmosphere to chill and read a book, finding an axe-throwing spot where you vibe with the people and the place makes all the difference.
You want to be where people are cool and they probably be cheering you on. I mean a place where there’s a bunch of positive energy floating around.
And don’t forget, being comfortable is super key. At this time that you’re expecting, you might need to take more breaks, sit down, or have some water more often. So, picking a spot where you can do all that without hassle is golden.
Modify Your Technique
Take it as adjusting a recipe when you find out your besty’s coming over for dinner, and she’s gone vegan. You still want to make your signature dish but you tweak it a bit so everyone’s happy and healthy.
Same goes for axe throwing; a few small changes can keep the fun going while making sure you and your baby are safe.
First things first, your balance! As I mentioned, as your bump grows, your center of gravity shifts. It’s kind of like carrying a watermelon in front of you all day; you move differently, right?
When you’re lining up to throw that axe, you might want to widen your stance a bit. This, I mean to have your feet firmly planted, a bit more apart than usual. You get a stable base and helps you stay balanced.
And let’s talk about the swing. Normally, you might go for that big, over-the-head swing. But with a baby on board, you want to dial it back.
Try using your arms more and rely less on a big backswing. Picture yourself more as a dart player than a baseball pitcher—smooth and controlled does the trick.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
I believe you already know you need more water during pregnancy, but did you know when you’re active(or exercising or being spry), like when throwing axes, you need even more? It’s true!
So, keep water close, like it’s your new accessory. Drinking enough keeps you energized, and it even gets rid of persistent headaches.
Now, onto breaks. Our bodies and minds aren’t designed for non-stop action; Taking breaks is like hitting the pause button and giving ourselves a chance to recharge.
It’s not just about avoiding burnout; it’s about giving ourselves moments of rest so we can be even more awesome when we’re ‘on.’ Plus, it gives you a moment to check in with yourself and your baby, which is always special.
Use Supportive gears
Maternity belts! This is a soft belt that goes around your tummy and takes some of the load off your back. Dr Riah(colleague midwife) describes it as getting a gentle hug that helps hold up your growing baby bump.
Super handy, right? It can make your back feel less grumpy, and keep you standing tall—like the queen you are!
Also, think about your feet. Let’s face it, no one wants to be wobbling around when they’re taking their shot. And comfy shoes are the way to go. Ones with good grip are like having four-wheel drive for your feet.
They keep you safe and steady on the ground, so you won’t slip when you’re getting your game on with the axe.
And here’s the cool part: when you gear up like this, it’s not just about feeling good in your body. It’s also about feeling great in your mind. Knowing you’ve got that extra support can help you relax and enjoy your time casting axes.
Bring friends
Bringing friends along as you enjoy this unique hobby might just be the cherry on top of a fun day out. Having your friends cheer you on makes the experience a whole lot better. Let’s bite the bullet; everything’s more fun with friends.
They can take turns, and you all get to share laughs, high fives, and maybe some friendly competition.
And it’s not just about fun. Pubmed suggests that spending time with friends makes you feel connected and supported, boosting your mood as well as perhaps lowering stress.
There’s a bunch of science that backs this up, saying that good friendships are like a health potion for our minds and bodies.
And before we forget… safety! Having your buddies around means you’ve got people to watch out for you, remind you to take it easy, and help you stay comfy.
Moreover, they can run interference if anyone tries to tell you you’re not cut out for axe throwing while sporting a baby bump (as long as it’s safe and okayed by your doctor, of course!).
Protect Your Ears
Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can be your compadre in places that get a bit noisy. They don’t have to be fancy or expensive; just something to take the edge off the noise.
Another tip? Keeping a bit of distance. Just like turning down the volume on your TV, staying a bit further away from the loudest spots can help. If the axe-throwing zone is super loud, maybe find a comfy spot to cheer on your friends from a quieter corner.
Of course, listening to your body and feelings is key. If something feels too loud or just not right, it’s totally so okay to take a break or otherwise simply step away.
Your peace of mind and comfort always come first. And I’ve always said this that there’s always another day and another way to have fun.
Consider alternative activities
Imagine swapping out the whoosh and thunk of axes for the swish of a paintbrush. That’s right, we’re talking about painting!
It could be as chill as a paint-by-numbers kit or as wild as a blank canvas where you showcase your creativity across the surface. You’re not just making art; you’re brushing up on relaxation and getting those happy hormones flowing.
Or how about diving into the pages of a good book? Book clubs send your imagination on vacations while your feet stay propped up on cushions.
And then chatting about the latest page-turner with your book-loving buddies is like a workout for your brain – good for keeping your mind as sharp as those axes you’re taking a break from.
Nature walks can also be the perfect scene change, with the soundtrack of rustling leaves and chirping birds. It’s gentle exercise, which is a big thumbs up for you and your baby.
And you know what studies say: being surrounded by nature is like a big breath of fresh air for your well-being.
And here’s a winning idea – how about some prenatal yoga? It’s like giving your body a calming high-five. Those stretches and poses whisper sweet nothings to your muscles and joints, keeping them feeling loved and limber.
Of course, every mom-to-be is the star of her own show, so always chat with your healthcare pro before starting new activities to make sure they’re cheering along with “That’s great for you!”.
Can you axe throw when pregnant? – This is a wrap
Here’s the bottom line: yes, you might technically be able to join in on axe throwing, but it’s like juggling watermelons. Your comfort, safety, and well-being (plus the little one cozying up inside) are the VIPs here.
That loud noise? Meh, we could use earplugs to protect. Those heavy axes and the effort to throw them? Technique modification! Less back swinging. Chance for slips, trips, and strains? We can’t fully safeguard that, but at least we’ve got safety gear to help.
Always listen to your body. This is a lot like listening to your favorite tune – it feels right, and you know the rhythm.
Chat with your doctor, consider the pros and cons, and if you decide to sit this one out, remember: it’s not about missing out; it’s about being kind to yourself and the tiny human you’re creating.
