Can I play badminton during pregnancy?

If you played badminton before pregnancy, you may be able to continue with your obstetrician’s approval and suitable modifications.

What exercises are safer during pregnancy?

Walking, swimming and stationary cycling are among the activities recommended by ACOG for pregnancy.

Can You Play Pickleball, Paddle or Badminton During Pregnancy?

Staying active during pregnancy is encouraged for most women with uncomplicated pregnancies, but not every sport carries the same level of risk. Pickleball, paddle and badminton require quick footwork, lunging and sudden changes in direction, which can become harder as pregnancy changes balance and mobility.

Can You Play Pickleball, Paddle or Badminton During Pregnancy?

For women who were already active before pregnancy, continuing familiar exercise may be possible with appropriate modifications.

These sports involve quick movements, changes in direction, jumping, lunging and sometimes a risk of falling or collision. As pregnancy progresses, your centre of gravity changes and balance may become less predictable. Your joints and ligaments may also become more flexible, increasing the risk of injury.Dr Pooja C Thukral, Associate Director – Department of Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals

The ACOG notes that experienced racquet-sports players may be able to continue during pregnancy after discussing their activity with an obstetrician.

It is recommended to avoid jerky, bouncy or high-impact movements, while activities with a significant risk of falling or abdominal impact should be avoided.

Can pregnant women play pickleball, paddleball or badminton?

Dr Thukral advises pregnant women to consider:

Lower-intensity play rather than competitive matches
Avoiding sudden sprints, jumps and aggressive lunges
Taking regular breaks and staying well hydrated
Stopping if the activity becomes uncomfortable or difficult to control

The NHS similarly recommends avoiding sports where there is a risk of falling or being hit, particularly as pregnancy progresses.

When Should You Stop Playing?

Stop exercising and contact your maternity care provider if you experience vaginal bleeding, dizziness or fainting, chest pain, significant breathlessness, painful regular contractions, fluid leakage or severe pain. If you are new to these sports, pregnancy may be a better time to choose lower-impact options such as walking, swimming or stationary cycling, rather than beginning an intense racquet-sports routine.

Pickleball, paddle or badminton may remain possible during pregnancy for women who already play, provided their obstetrician agrees and the activity can be performed comfortably and safely. The priority is to reduce fall and injury risks, adapt intensity as pregnancy progresses and stop when your body signals that something is not right.

FAQs on Playing Pickleball, Paddle, and Badminton During Pregnancy

Can I play badminton during pregnancy?
If you played badminton before pregnancy, you may be able to continue with your obstetrician’s approval and suitable modifications.
What exercises are safer during pregnancy?
Walking, swimming and stationary cycling are among the activities recommended by ACOG for pregnancy.