A Summary of Climbing with Baby on Board

Prepregnancy:

• weight: 146
• climbing level: 5-10A to 5-10D, at indoor climbing gym
  
• typically climbing and/or lifting 2-3 times a week
  

First Trimester:

• weight gain at 12 weeks: 3 pounds
• short of breath, frequently had to stop mid-climb to pant
• continued lifting weights in addition to climbing
• continued to boulder occasionally against medical advice

Fourth Month:

• often dizzy/lightheaded when climbing and when not climbing
• still short of breath frequently
• beginning of uterine ligament cramps - stretching abs could initiate these
• climbing up to 5-10C
• stopped lifting
  

Fifth Month:

• no energy, muscles ached more
• went to last kickboxing class
  
• had difficulty climbing above 5-10A (disappointing - had wanted to hit 5-11A before month 6)
• continued ligament cramps
• climbing partner commented I seemed to be stretching and reaching more than prepregnancy
• started using body harness

Sixth Month:

• no more ligament cramps
• muscles failure resolved (red blood cell count back to normal?)
• climbing up to 5-10C with overhangs
• recognized that I started favoring stemming and mantling techniques over brute strength/bicep moves
  
• generally felt great physically and moodwise this month

Seventh Month:

• carpal tunnel symptoms started - wore wrist braces at night which resolved most pain
• started having inconsistent results on overhangs - still climbing up to 5-10C regularly
• began to find climbs where I could not get close enough to the wall because of larger belly
• continued to stem and climb with one hip against the wall more than usual
• shortness of breath returned - needed rests even on short-ish climbs
  

Eighth Month:

• total weight gain: 26 pounds
• pregnant climbing partner stopped climbing; down to climbing sessions once a week
• climbing up to 5-10B
  
• started to feel fearful about certain moves (around corners, some overhangs) and chose not to do them
• shoes often too tight
• abs stopped working in coordination
  

Ninth Month:

• total weight gain: 29 pounds (so far)
• much more focused on stemming/mantling routes
• don't like sensation of belly brushing against wall, more distracted by concern of falling and squashing kiddo
• climbing up to 5-10A, haven't much wanted to try big overhangs because of nervousness about falling and swinging

36 Weeks, 1 Day:

• climbed three 5.8's, and on my first 5.9 of the day, felt a funny twinge in my ribs/abs that didn't go away until about 20 minutes of resting. Decided to stop climbing until post-baby.

Generally:

• Many people at the climbing gym have asked whether I've experienced any changes in balance, but I haven't noticed any particular balance changes when climbing, dancing, or otherwise.
• One of the big concerns about climbing while pregnant is the loosening of the ligaments, which can cause injuries particularly in the shoulders. Was very careful not to hang on my shoulders from early on.
• Did not experience as much muscle soreness as in pre-pregnancy.