Is it Safe to Snorkel While Pregnant?
If you are a snorkel-enthusiast woman, it is normal to wonder whether you can still continue snorkel while pregnant. Read on to find out whether it is safe to snorkel while pregnant, as well as some do’s and don’ts, essential tips, and bits of advice.
Being pregnant can be one of the most fulfilling and thrilling experiences to have for most women. But, especially for first-timers, it is all right if you feel worried or have second thoughts about going to a water park, boat riding, or snorkeling while pregnant.
Whether you are a snorkel hobbyist or just a pregnant woman who wants to go out snorkeling with family or friends on the beach or in some resorts, it is worthwhile to confirm if you can snorkel while pregnant.
To answer your question directly, the answer is a resounding yes! You can snorkel while pregnant. The safest time to snorkel while pregnant is the early second trimester.
Aside from being very safe, others would even argue that it is recommended and beneficial for all pregnant ladies. Also, it is important to consult with your primary healthcare provider for every physical activity that you plan to do.
This article highlights whether it is safe to snorkel while pregnant and shares essential safety tips, do’s, and don’ts.
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What is Snorkeling?
Snorkeling is a physical activity involving swimming on the surface of the water and equipped with a mask, breathing tube, and fins.
One thing to know about snorkeling is that you do not need a self-contained breathing apparatus which is the case when you do scuba-diving.
Snorkeling can be done in two ways. The first is by swimming on the surface of the water, while the other involves diving below the surface of the water, which means holding your breath.
It is also important to know which way of snorkeling is safe when you are pregnant. Keep reading to find out!
Is it Safe To Snorkel While Pregnant?
When pregnant, nothing is more important than your and the baby’s safety. In this part, I am here to tell you that you have nothing to worry about. As I have already said, enjoying snorkeling should be fun and free of worries.
One of the reasons why people may have become anxious about snorkeling while pregnant is that diving in the deep water as one way of snorkeling.
And because diving involves you holding your breath for a period of time, it is not safe to keep the baby oxygen deprived.
Experts say pregnant women should not dive because the fetus is unprotected from decompression problems or injuries.
Do note that diving and snorkeling are different as chalk and cheese. Remember what I told you earlier about the fact that there are two types of snorkeling?
If you decide to go snorkeling while pregnant, you should not be diving or holding breaths for a period of time, and the safe option for snorkeling while pregnant is only swimming on the surface of the water.
Therefore, it also means that if you are not used to breathing while snorkeling, it would be best to practice before heading out to the ocean.
Always note that a pregnant woman should never hold their breath for an extended period. This is because your baby needs to have a constant supply of oxygen.
At the same time, diving with a self-contained breathing apparatus should be avoided while pregnant.
In snorkeling, you do not actually need to have those diving aids because you are not diving below the surface of the water, you are only swimming on the surface itself.
Given that you will not be diving, it is safe for you to snorkel while pregnant because you will not be inhaling any gas from a self-contained breathing apparatus that is present when scuba-diving specifically.
Is Snorkeling while Pregnant Recommended?
Given that you already know that you can snorkel while pregnant, as long as there is no diving involved, the next thing you need to learn is if it is actually recommended.
The answer here is still a big yes! Medical practitioners from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Organization recommend such water workouts for pregnant women.
Doctors generally recommend low-impact physical exercises because they are beneficial for pregnant women. This is actually good because snorkeling has already been widely established as a low-impact physical activity.
However, like other safe and recommended physical exercises like yoga, stretching, and walking, snorkeling while pregnant brings in many essential benefits for your overall health.
However, do always take note to again check with your healthcare provider first. While the general rule may apply, know that there could be exceptions because it is always on a case-to-case basis.
It is important to stress that before trying anything new while pregnant, you should be sure to yourself that you are in good shape in the first place.
What are the benefits of snorkeling while pregnant?
Snorkeling while pregnant has just become more fun than before. At this point, it is probably safe to say that you are close to trying snorkeling while pregnant. Aside from being safe and recommended, it is time to know the actual benefits you will enjoy once you dip back into the ocean.
According to studies, there are a number of key benefits to have when snorkeling while pregnant. Not only is it good for your physical body, but it is also proven to have good and substantial effects on your mental health.
Now, let’s look at the benefits of snorkeling while pregnant:
- It is a good way to stay physically fit during your pregnancy.
- Known to take away some pressure off your body.
- You can take all that weight off your knees and ankles.
- Gives you a relaxing break from stress, anxiety, and worries.
- Can be an effective stress and tension reliever.
For apparent reasons, snorkeling while pregnant is not only safe and recommended, but it is also surprisingly beneficial.
Doctors’ consensus is that snorkeling while pregnant is generally safe.
When is the best time to snorkel while pregnant?
It goes without saying that pregnancy involves phases divided into trimesters. Now, this is also an important thing to be discussed because, remember, you are pregnant. This means that you should not be doing such physical activities all of a sudden without carefully considering all the relevant factors for the safety of your baby.
You now know that snorkeling while pregnant is safe, recommended, and even beneficial, but it is still noteworthy to pinpoint when exactly in your pregnancy is best and ideal to try snorkeling.
Know that the first trimester would be the most crucial period, both for you and the baby. This is because it is when your baby is in her early developmental stage, and you will be experiencing morning sickness and changes in your body. So, you may not be in your best mood to snorkel while pregnant.
During the second trimester, fatigue becomes less and less common, and morning sickness disappears. It is this particular period that is observed to be the most comfortable phase for a majority of pregnant women.
On the other hand, your third trimester is the most uncomfortable period as your belly grows. Not to mention – those sleepless nights. You can’t comfortably get enough sleep unless you have a pregnancy body pillow.
You will also be busy planning your baby shower and getting educated and ready for your labor and delivery. So, when is the best time to snorkel when pregnant? My advice is during your second semester.
It is the most comfortable time when you are feeling your best, not stressed yet about planning for a gender reveal or baby shower, or your impending labor.
While it is still possible for you to try snorkeling while pregnant during your first and third trimesters, this largely depends on your doctor. Do note that if you do so, you will most likely get tired more quickly.
Things to consider before going snorkeling while Pregnant
Overall, snorkeling is safe activity to do while pregnant, but there are several things that you need to consider before going snorkeling
Visit your Ob/GYN
Before you go snorking while pregnant, you need to talk to your doctor. They will evaluate your safety while snorkeling depending on your health. If you have a normal pregnancy, then you do not need to worry about it.
But if you are experiencing pregnancy complications, you must follow your doctor’s advice on whether you should snorkel while pregnant.
The weather of the day when snorkeling
You should never rely on long-term weather forecasts while booking your snorkeling activity while pregnant. Instead, the weather should be evaluated the day before or during the activity.
If the weather is not favorable, like too sunny, rainy, cold, or windy, snorkeling should be avoided, especially when pregnant.
If it is a hot day on your scheduled day of snorkeling, do not forget to cover yourself with sunscreen. Pregnant skin is already too sensitive, and exposure to the sun for a long duration can cause sunburn.
Know the area
Knowing the area of the water, you will be snorkeling is also important. While you might have yet to get a direct idea, you can always inquire about it.
This is because you want to avoid areas where you will find too many stones. Stepping on a stone can cause you to lose your balance.
You also want to avoid areas where there are chances of exposing yourself to jellyfish or other toxic plants.
Keep yourself hydrated
Staying hydrated is very important during pregnancy. AAP recommends drinking 8 glasses of water during pregnancy.
So, you must hydrate yourself frequently. You may feel it is refreshing in the water while snorkeling, but you still need to drink water. An activity like this can raise the temperature of your body and cause dehydration.
Wear comfortable swimwear
If you are snorkeling, I highly recommend wearing comfortable maternity swimwear. Even better if you find swimwear that covers your open belly.
This is because it protects your already sensitive skin from exposure to algae or other water plants.
Do not hold your breath
As mentioned above, snorkeling does not require you to hold your breath when you stay close to the surface of the water.
Pregnant women need a constant supply of oxygen, and when you hold your breathing, you will be depriving your baby of the supply of oxygen that can be harmful to your baby.
Do not dive while Snorkeling when Pregnant.
Diving is also not recommended when you are pregnant. This is because the fetus is not protected from decompression problems or injuries. Decompression can cause fetal distress.
FAQs
How deep can you dive while pregnant?
Unfortunately, pregnant women should refrain from diving from the get-go. Based on a scientific study, it is a piece of well-thought-out advice because pregnant patients will be prone to an increased risk of decompression illness.
From the earlier discussions, we have come to know that the fetus has no protection from decompression problems and will have a substantial risk of unwanted injuries.
Be reminded that diving involves holding your breath for a long time. This is not advisable again because your baby should have a constant and continuous oxygen supply.
Can you snorkel without knowing how to swim?
You do not have to know how to swim to snorkel while pregnant. This is because you will only be on the surface of the water while snorkeling. Plus, snorkeling can be done in shallow parts of the water where you can practically stand up without a problem. You do not need to go to deeper parts.
It is still good to know how to swim as a general life-saving skill, just in case you end up in deep portions of the water while pregnant.
But snorkeling can still be done even if you do not know how to swim. You may also avail yourself by using some floating device like a vest placed around your upper body or on your shoulders. As long as you are comfortable and you and your baby are safe when using one.
There should be nothing stopping you from having some fun and relaxing time even while you are pregnant. If you do not know how to swim but really want to, you can always try having some swimming lessons before you head out to the beach.
Can you go on a boat while pregnant?
Like all other physical activities involving you traveling or being outdoors, you need to take extra safety precautions. Such a case is no different when going on a boat while pregnant. This is because there is also some risk that comes with it in you being exposed to the elements outside.
Nevertheless, going on a boat while pregnant can also be fun and exciting.
Boating during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy should be avoided. This is because it can aggravate some pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, dizziness, headaches, tiredness, and even frequent vomiting from drinking water.
Generally, there is no harm in boating while pregnant, but safety should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In addition, some boating cruises have their own rules about allowing pregnant women to boat.
If you have a normal pregnancy, you can go on a boat ride given that you are extremely careful while riding and you know several dos and don’t –
- Keep your balance when the boat takes a fast turn
- Keep yourself hydrated- pack hydrating beverages with you
- Wear sunscreen
- Do not go too far from a land
- Keep healthy snacks with you all the time
- Wear life jacket
Going on a boat should be avoided if you are experiencing pregnancy-related complications like pre-term labor or anything.
You can go on a boat while pregnant if your doctor gives you the go-signal.
Are bumpy boat rides safe during pregnancy?
Unfortunately, bumpy boat rides should be avoided as much as possible during pregnancy.
Being pregnant means being extra cautious in whatever you do for your and your baby’s safety. A bumpy ride in a boar can increase the risk of miscarriage.
This is because the jarring motion can detach the placenta from the uterine was and deprive your baby of a supply of oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, it is essential to talk to your doctor before you plan to go on a boat ride.
At the same time, the type of boat you are planning to ride planned boat ride, weather of the day is also important so you can prepare for your boat ride.
Is it safe to Snorkel while Pregnant? – Conclusion
Being pregnant is a one-of-a-kind experience in life for every woman. It is a period where drastic changes in a woman’s body and lifestyle are unavoidable.
However, this does not entirely mean you will have to give up your passion or interest in exploring the enchanting dreamy underwater world.
With proper precautions considered, you can snorkel while pregnant. In fact, snorkeling while pregnant is not only safe, as backed up by doctors, it is both recommended and very beneficial for your overall health.
Remember that you can still have the things that you enjoy in life the most, even while pregnant. Snorkeling while pregnant is best done during the second trimester, which is the most comfortable period.
It is my hope that this article was helpful to you in considering snorkeling while pregnant to ensure safety and comfort for both you and your little one.
Have fun, Mama!
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