This can be a controversial topic. Some people are adamant about what pregnant people can and can’t do. Some of those people are the pregnant people themselves, and others are the doctors and partners of pregnant people.
Ultimately the person that’s pregnant is the one who has to make the choice. But there is certainly value in getting a doctor’s input prior to climbing…especially if climbing includes bouldering or leading, places where bodily harm might be more likely.
Key Considerations in Climbing While Pregnant
Following are three key things for pregnant climbers to consider.
EQUIPMENT: A harness that avoids abdominal pressure is key—options like the Petzl 8003 Full-Body Harness or the Mad Rock Mountain Mamma can make climbing far more comfortable. Follow manufacturer guidance for sizing, tie-in points, and belay setup. Shoes may need to go up a size, and because full-body harnesses often have limited gear loops, a gear sling can be helpful.
TERRAIN: As the body changes, so do movement preferences. Some techniques—twists, high steps, big reaches—might start to feel awkward. Consider alternative movement strategies or suggest friendlier terrain. Many pregnant climbers gravitate toward slab or vertical routes rather than steeper roofs and overhangs.
ACTIVITIES: Climbing styles that involve high fall potential or sudden impacts—like bouldering or lead climbing—are often dialed back at certain stages of pregnancy. How much to limit is highly personal, so one should choose activities that feel right for them.
Additional Thoughts
- Bouldering during pregnancy is possible, but it comes with elevated risk. Ground falls can be abrupt and forceful, which becomes more concerning as pregnancy progresses. A bad fall could result in a miscarriage.
- Research has shown that climbing itself isn’t linked to impaired fetal development. One study from the late ’90s noted that long, strenuous workdays can negatively affect a fetus, but climbing did not show the same impact.
- For pregnant climbers who want to stay active, toproping is generally the most controlled and forgiving option, offering a way to continue training with significantly reduced fall consequences.
Climbing While Pregnant: Expert Q&A with Joy Black
In the following video, Joy Black—one of the leading coaches for pregnant and postpartum climbers—tackles the most common questions pulled straight from social media. From falling and leading to trip planning and smart risk management, Joy offers clear, expert guidance to help you climb confidently and safely through every stage of this adventure.
Pro Climber Hazel Findlay and Pregnancy
Many well known climbers have talked about their experiences climbing while pregnant. In the following video, Hazel Findley talks about climbing in her first and second trimester.
Hazel’s coach, an expert in pregnant and post pardum climbing, can be seen from approxmately minute 9 to 10 in the video. Her main points are:
- During the first trimester, nausea is common, but significant fatigue is often overlooked.
- This fatigue is not something climbers should try to push through.
- A key adjustment in early pregnancy is reducing the volume of training and climbing to better manage fatigue.
- The first trimester is an ideal time to work on deep core activation and proper 360-degree diaphragmatic breathing.
In this second video, Hazel continues talking about her experience. This time she is using a full body harness and has a pronounced baby bump.
Throughout the preceding, Hazel’s coach provides snippets about what she’s going through. She can be seen from 2:35-3:00, from 5:50-6:00 and for a longer period at 10:47.
Following is one final video from Hazel on her journey:
Trimester Breakdown
It’s going to be different for everyone and some advice may feel contradictory. Rock Climbing Women published a short article on climbing while pregnant in 2022. They summed up their article with the following points. You’ll note that their conclusions weren’t all the same as Hazel’s.
Considerations for Climbing Instructors and Climbing Gyms
Before accepting a pregnant climber, it is important to understand any organizational policies concerning pregnancy and any insurance limitations. Either one of these things could be game stoppers in a commercial setting.
Pregnancy can change what feels comfortable, so gear, terrain, and activity choices may need to shift. The goal is simple: create an environment where the climber feels supported, heard, and totally free to set their own limits. Every pregnancy is different, and the climber will know best what works for their body.
Conclusion
They say pregnancy is magical. But the reality is that there’s a lot going on physically and mentally. Everybody’s going to experience it differently. Some aren’t going to climb much, and some will push hard. You shouldn’t feel guilty one way or the other.
As they say, you do you…
