Golfing is a great way to stay active during pregnancy.
You should be mindful of the outside temperature and humidity when golfing and choose morning tee times so you aren’t out during high temperatures. Stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid overheating.
Use the cart and take breaks if you’re feeling fatigued. Compression socks 1 or leggings can help with swollen feet and ankles from prolonged walking and standing. During the first trimester especially, you can get lightheaded from bending over to get your ball and standing back up, so use your club for balance if needed.
The multiple swings, repeated bending over, and increased walking in addition to the hormonal changes 2 during pregnancy may contribute to increased discomfort in the lower back, pelvis, or hips, so adding in specific stretching and strengthening exercises can help mitigate any aches. Working with a physical therapist or chiropractor will determine which exercises are appropriate for you.
As your pregnancy progresses, keep in mind that your swing technique may be altered because of your belly. If it’s not worth it to temporarily change your technique due to the risk of affecting your future performance, you may choose to stop golfing for the remainder of your pregnancy.
