Do you have a baby on the way? Congratulations! Welcoming a new life is an exciting time for any family.
However, you might wonder if there are any activities you should avoid now that you’re pregnant. For example, is it safe to go boating while pregnant?
If you belong to a family of boaters, you’re probably asking yourself this question. And lucky for you, the answer is yes! Boating is a fun activity that is pregnancy friendly. Of course, that is if you’re taking the necessary precautions.
As industry experts, our team is revealing everything you need to know about boating while pregnant in today’s blog post. Keep reading to learn the risks, benefits, and helpful tips for boating and pregnancy.
3 Factors to Consider Before Boating While Pregnant
Every pregnant body is different. Therefore, an activity that might be safe for some might not be for others. Before going boating while pregnant, take the following precautions:
1. Consult a Medical Professional
There are several risks associated with boating (and not all of them are prevented by wearing a life jacket). Therefore, it’s vital that you get your physician’s approval beforehand. Your doctor knows the specifics of your pregnancy, and they’ll be able to tell you what’s best for both you and your baby.
2. Consider Your Trimester
While you might assume the first trimester is the best time to go boating, that’s not necessarily the case. During the first few weeks, your baby is still settling in your womb. While this happens, extreme outdoor activities (like water skiing or jolty boat rides) can be incredibly harmful. In addition, you may experience morning sickness in your first trimester.
Therefore, we recommend waiting to go boating during the second trimester (the earlier, the better).
As you can probably imagine, boating during your third trimester is risky, especially as you approach your due date. While most pregnancies last nine months, circumstances might cause yours to be premature. Therefore, you shouldn’t put yourself in a position where you can’t quickly access urgent care.
3. Consider the Boat Ride
There are many kinds of boat rides, and some are better suited for pregnant women than others. Pregnancy is not a time to sacrifice safety for a thrill. Therefore, refrain from water skiing or riding on speedboats.
In addition, try to avoid boating in choppy water or large waves. Before leaving on your boat trip, ask the captain to stick to calm waters.
6 Tips for Boating While Pregnant
Is your physician okay with you taking a boating trip with a baby bump? Fantastic! Now, here are some tips to make the most of your time spent on the water:
1. Wear your life jacket
Freak accidents happen, and you don’t want to get stuck in open water without a life jacket. Before the trip begins, make sure it fits perfectly.
2. Wear sturdy shoes
Falling can put your baby in danger – and boats aren’t the most stable of surfaces! Pregnancy can throw off your sense of balance, so wear grippy shoes when walking around on deck. Additionally, avoid walking on the boat whenever it is in motion.
3. Stay hydrated
Hanging out in the sunshine dehydrates us, so you’ll need to drink lots of water to recuperate. Bring plenty of water on board, and avoid drinking from whatever body of water you’re boating on.
4. Bring a first-aid kit
You should always bring a first-aid kit while boating. However, being pregnant makes it that much more critical. Pro-tip: stock it with anti-nausea medication in case of motion sickness.
5. Avoid lifting heavy gear
Carrying heavy items is potentially dangerous for pregnant women and can even increase the chance of miscarriage or premature birth.
6. Stay cool
A crucial part of a safe boat trip for pregnant women is staying protected from the sun. This means sitting in shaded areas, wearing sunscreen, and packing a portable fan.
7. Don’t travel too far from land
If possible, talk to the captain and ensure they don’t venture too far from the land. As we mentioned, freak accidents and unexpected scenarios happen. Therefore, it’s crucial that you can quickly access urgent care if needed. (If on a cruise, alert the medical team of your condition.)
Benefits of Boating and Pregnancy
Of course, boating while pregnant isn’t all precautions and risks. Pregnant women might find that boating is an incredibly enjoyable, relaxing experience. In fact, spending time with loved ones, being outdoors, and enjoying the gentle rocking of the boat might relieve the stressful side effects of pregnancy.
Another benefit of boating while pregnant is that it provides an opportunity for swimming (which is one of the safest forms of exercise during pregnancy). Submersing your limbs increases circulation, which reduces any swelling you might be feeling. And the buoyance of the water can also take some of the pregnancy weight off your muscles and back.
Final Thoughts
So, can you boat while pregnant? As long as your doctor approves, the answer is yes; you can be pregnant on a boat and enjoy the day safely. When you follow the proper safety precautions, going boating while pregnant can be a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable experience.
If you’re expecting, we hope today’s blog post provided some helpful tips and tricks for getting out on the water. And as always, keep checking in with the blog for more boating guides and tips.
