Is Glidecam safe during first trimester? at DVinfo.net

Laura Coffey · August 9th, 2007, 08:50 AM

I'm almost 2 months pregnant and I've been hired for a shoot that (almost) requires me using my Glidecam. I weighed it and it's about 15 pounds. Has anyone used a steadicam during their first trimester? Do you think it's safe or should I just try to manage with a tripod dolly for the moving shots?

thanks!

Mike Teutsch · August 9th, 2007, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laura Coffey

I'm almost 2 months pregnant and I've been hired for a shoot that (almost) requires me using my Glidecam. I weighed it and it's about 15 pounds. Has anyone used this during heir first trimester? Do you think it's safe or should I just try to manage with a tripod dolly for the moving shots?

thanks!

I would think that that is a question for your doctor, not the people here. :)

Your physical condition and your Dr.'s advice is the most practical way to determine the answer.

Mike

Laura Coffey · August 9th, 2007, 09:07 AM

I called my doc first. He still hasn't gotten back to me. Just wondering if anyone here has been in the same situation.

:)

Jason Bowers · August 9th, 2007, 09:16 AM

Hi Laura,
I don't see how it can be dangerous, however, you are still in that time frame where a miscarriage can occur. Is it worth taking that chance?

Congatulations

Sean Kiely · August 9th, 2007, 10:35 AM

Congratulations Laura!

I guess one approach to this question is to ask which model glidecam are you using, and how much experience do you have with it? If you're still getting to know it, I don't know, maybe try not to use it... they can be tough on your back when you're learning the ropes... it may not cause problems right now, but at the later stages of your pregnancy your back will have a lot to cope with carrying that extra little filmaker around, so maybe any small strains now could become a nuisance to you? If you're worried, maybe leave it be for now, I guess.

Really though, as has already been said here, your Doc is the one to supply the answer. Maybe phone him again, it's obviously a concern to you.

Adam Hoggatt · August 9th, 2007, 01:18 PM

Congratulations!
My wife is 8 1/2 months pregnant with twins. I'll have her try it out and see how she does! As soon as she's done cleaning the house and waxing the car! :D just kidding of course. Make sure that baby is in no danger! Your baby should come first!

BTW my wife is on bed rest and doing fine. :)

Tom McDougal · August 9th, 2007, 01:54 PM

as long as your not out of breath and able to relax yourself while using the glide cam, i don't see anything wrong with doing things.

i remember from my sister, if you can't breath, the baby can't breath. my sister excersiced (spin class) a few days until she gave birth.

Noa Put · August 10th, 2007, 03:32 AM

Allthough all the advice here is with the best intentions there is only one person that should answer this question and that is your doctor

Laura Coffey · August 14th, 2007, 07:34 AM

The doc said to take it easy. Film 10 min and then take a break and so on. I did that and needless to say I was totally exhausted after 90 minutes. But, I didn't get the chance to take as many breaks as I needed. The next day I found out- it's TWINS! So, looks like I'll be putting the videography on hold for a while.

Thanks everyone!

:)

:) :)

Mike Teutsch · August 14th, 2007, 07:48 AM

Laura,

How cool!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations! I think, that with twins, videography is not the only thing you will be putting on hold for a while! :)

Mike

Steven Davis · August 14th, 2007, 07:51 AM

Very nice, twins will give you two shooters instead of one! Free labor!

Graham Risdon · August 15th, 2007, 01:16 PM

Simple - adapt a dolly with 2 baby seats and forget the Glidecam!!!!

Many congratulations!!

August 9th, 2007, 08:50 AM	#1
Laura Coffey New Boot Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 8	Is Glidecam safe during first trimester? I'm almost 2 months pregnant and I've been hired for a shoot that (almost) requires me using my Glidecam. I weighed it and it's about 15 pounds. Has anyone used a steadicam during their first trimester? Do you think it's safe or should I just try to manage with a tripod dolly for the moving shots? thanks!

August 14th, 2007, 07:34 AM	#9
Laura Coffey New Boot Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 8	Answer to my question The doc said to take it easy. Film 10 min and then take a break and so on. I did that and needless to say I was totally exhausted after 90 minutes. But, I didn't get the chance to take as many breaks as I needed. The next day I found out- it's TWINS! So, looks like I'll be putting the videography on hold for a while. Thanks everyone! :) :) :)

August 14th, 2007, 07:48 AM	#10
Mike Teutsch Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida Posts: 2,614	Congratulations! Laura, How cool!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations! I think, that with twins, videography is not the only thing you will be putting on hold for a while! :) Mike __________________ Chapter one, line one. The BH.

August 14th, 2007, 07:51 AM	#11
Steven Davis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,065	Very nice, twins will give you two shooters instead of one! Free labor! __________________ What happens if I push the 'Red' button?

August 9th, 2007, 09:07 AM	#3
Laura Coffey New Boot Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 8	I called my doc first. He still hasn't gotten back to me. Just wondering if anyone here has been in the same situation. :)

August 9th, 2007, 09:16 AM	#4
Jason Bowers Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Thunder Bay, ON. Canada Posts: 374	Hi Laura, I don't see how it can be dangerous, however, you are still in that time frame where a miscarriage can occur. Is it worth taking that chance? Congatulations

August 9th, 2007, 10:35 AM	#5
Sean Kiely Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ireland, South East Posts: 35	Congratulations Laura! I guess one approach to this question is to ask which model glidecam are you using, and how much experience do you have with it? If you're still getting to know it, I don't know, maybe try not to use it... they can be tough on your back when you're learning the ropes... it may not cause problems right now, but at the later stages of your pregnancy your back will have a lot to cope with carrying that extra little filmaker around, so maybe any small strains now could become a nuisance to you? If you're worried, maybe leave it be for now, I guess. Really though, as has already been said here, your Doc is the one to supply the answer. Maybe phone him again, it's obviously a concern to you.

August 9th, 2007, 01:18 PM	#6
Adam Hoggatt Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 126	Congratulations! My wife is 8 1/2 months pregnant with twins. I'll have her try it out and see how she does! As soon as she's done cleaning the house and waxing the car! :D just kidding of course. Make sure that baby is in no danger! Your baby should come first! BTW my wife is on bed rest and doing fine. :)

August 9th, 2007, 01:54 PM	#7
Tom McDougal Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Port Jefferson, New York Posts: 62	as long as your not out of breath and able to relax yourself while using the glide cam, i don't see anything wrong with doing things. i remember from my sister, if you can't breath, the baby can't breath. my sister excersiced (spin class) a few days until she gave birth.

August 10th, 2007, 03:32 AM	#8
Noa Put Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 9,510	Allthough all the advice here is with the best intentions there is only one person that should answer this question and that is your doctor

August 15th, 2007, 01:16 PM	#12
Graham Risdon Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wiltshire, UK Posts: 192	Simple - adapt a dolly with 2 baby seats and forget the Glidecam!!!! Many congratulations!!