In this episode, I’m diving into a side of curling we don’t talk about enough: training and competing during pregnancy.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen more curlers stay on the ice while pregnant, which has raised a lot of important questions around training, performance, recovery, and support. This episode was inspired by a series of thoughtful questions from Ana Kubeskova of Czech Curling, and I wanted to expand on those conversations here in a way that could help athletes, coaches, teammates, and parents better understand what this process can look like.
In this conversation, I share:
• How training and curling adapt throughout pregnancy
• What support systems, movement, and strength work matter most
• What I’ve learned from working with pregnant and postpartum curlers
I also talk about my own experience navigating pregnancy while curling, the education I pursued afterward, and how my perspective has evolved through working with athletes during both pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Some of the topics we cover include:
• Key considerations for training and curling through each trimester
• Physical changes that can impact movement, balance, breathing, and performance
• The role of pelvic floor, core, and movement quality during pregnancy
• How delivery and sweeping may need to adapt as the body changes
• The importance of communication and having a strong support team
• Why maintaining strength and fitness during pregnancy can be beneficial
• Thinking ahead to both performance and postpartum recovery
One of the biggest takeaways from this line of questioning is that pregnancy does not automatically mean stepping away from sport. With the right support, adjustments, and communication, many athletes can continue to train, curl, compete, and feel strong throughout pregnancy.
Whether you’re currently pregnant, postpartum, coaching an athlete who is, or simply curious about how athletes navigate this stage of life, I hope this episode gives you a better understanding of what’s possible.
If you are pregnant or postpartum and looking for support with your training, return to curling, strength work, movement, or building confidence in your body again, I’d love to connect with you. This is an area I’m incredibly passionate about, and I’m always happy to chat about what support could look like for your situation and goals.
A big thank you again to Ana Kubeskova and Czech Curling for inspiring this episode and these important conversations.
- Don’t miss past episodes: Episode 46: Laura Walker
- Episode 11: Return to Curling
- Episode 90: How to actually improve your balance
