So, there I was, a few months into my pregnancy, and the weather was just getting nice. My golf clubs were gathering dust, and I really missed being out on the course. I thought, “Can I actually do this? Golfing while pregnant?” It seemed a bit out there at first.
Getting Started and Those First Swings
First things first, I had a good chat with my doctor. That was super important. She gave me the thumbs up, but with a few conditions: listen to my body, don’t overdo it, and stay hydrated. Seriously, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. So, armed with that advice, I decided to give it a shot.
My husband was a bit skeptical, bless him. He pictured me doing full power drives and twisting myself into a pretzel. But I promised to take it easy. The first time back on the driving range was… interesting. My swing felt different, obviously. My center of gravity was already starting to shift, even if my bump wasn’t huge yet.
My main adjustments were:
- A wider stance. This really helped with balance.
- A shorter backswing. I wasn’t trying to hit any records, just enjoy the game.
- Focusing on a smooth tempo rather than power.
Honestly, those first few shots were pretty terrible. I topped a few, shanked one (oops!), but it felt so good just to be swinging a club again. I wasn’t walking a full 18 holes right away, mind you. I started with just nine holes, and always, always used a cart. Walking the whole course, especially with hills, was a definite no-go for me.
As Things… Grew
As my belly got bigger, things definitely changed more. Twisting became more of a challenge. I remember thinking around the second trimester, “Okay, this is getting real.” My swing got even shorter and more compact. It was less about a full body rotation and more about using my arms and shoulders.
There were days I felt great and could play a decent round. Other days, I’d hit a few balls on the range and call it a day. The key was definitely not pushing it. If I felt tired or any discomfort, I stopped. Simple as that. No ego, no trying to keep up with my pre-pregnancy game. That ship had sailed, at least temporarily!
Some things I learned along the way:
- Comfortable shoes are a MUST. My feet swelled up sometimes, so good support was crucial.
- Snacks! I always had snacks in my golf bag. Energy levels can dip quickly when you’re pregnant.
- Patience. My game wasn’t what it used to be, and that was okay. The goal was enjoyment and some light exercise.
- Finding a supportive golf buddy helps. Someone who understands you might need more breaks or might not play your best.
Was It Worth It?
Looking back, I’m so glad I did it. It wasn’t always easy, and my scorecard wasn’t pretty, but being outdoors, getting some gentle exercise, and doing something I loved really helped my mental state during pregnancy. It was a little slice of normalcy in a time of big changes.
Of course, everyone’s pregnancy is different, so what worked for me might not work for someone else. The most important thing is listening to your body and your doctor. But if you get the green light and you love golf, don’t automatically assume you have to hang up your clubs for nine months. You just have to adapt and find a new way to play your game. For me, it was a gentle nine holes, a lot of laughs at my own weird shots, and a good excuse to enjoy the sunshine.
