Reiten in der Schwangerschaft

In healthy and experienced female riders horseback riding does not influence the duration of pregnancy. The analysis of a retrospective survey with 1,851 participants after childbirth or miscarriage who had partially continued riding during pregnancy showed no evidence for an increased rate of miscarriages or preterm delivery, not even in show jumping or professional daily riding. Prolonged labor could also not be found. Women with preterm delivery stopped riding activities earlier than women with term delivery. Self-assessment by pregnant women could therefore be an important indicator in medical care. Accidents while riding or having contact to horses occurred in 9.7 % of participants. When counselling pregnant riders, accidents resulting from horseback riding or other equestrian activities therefore represent a considerable risk and should be taken into account.