Best wishes for your pregnancy from Italy (I’m based in Milan, but originally from the Dolomites)

Jasmin & Elia 

Hi Jasmin –

Thank you so much for your very thoughtful message and information. I think women in the US will find your perspective very valuable and interesting. I know that I always thought European women and mothers had access to much more information and acceptance while climbing during pregnancy and with children. I’m sorry to hear that it’s not necessarily the case!

I will say that at least in California where I am located, climbing in the climbing gym seems completely acceptable for pregnant women. I’ve been seeing it for a long time, and it’s nice to know that you can go climbing in most gyms and not be ridiculed. Climbing outside while pregnant is less popular, but so far I haven’t seen anyone scouring their faces at me when I climb outside.

The medical professionals here are not as educated about climbing while pregnant, often thinking that all climbing will involve a serious ground fall. But once I explain to them about a full body harness and climbing on toprope, they seem much more amenable to the idea.

I’m now in my third trimester and climbing a lot less just because my belly is getting a lot bigger and gets in the way of climbing. I think if my joints were tighter, I would be climbing more as the movement of climbing feels great.

Thank you again for your very wonderful message. I wish you and Elia all the best and hope to run into you at the crags one day!

Best,

Beth