[ad_1] When it comes to being pregnant and swimming in the water, there is nothing more relaxing than not feeling the extra weight being carried around as a result of expecting. As a result, many women choose to take up water aerobics to keep their fitness levels up while pregnant because being in the water
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When it comes to being pregnant and swimming in the water, there is nothing more relaxing than not feeling the extra weight being carried around as a result of expecting. As a result, many women choose to take up water aerobics to keep their fitness levels up while pregnant because being in the water causes less jarring to the joints, all while enjoying the feeling of weightlessness for a short time.
As such, when taking a trip near an ocean while expecting, it is no wonder that snorkeling is an activity that many pregnant women flock to. And while it is safe to participate in snorkeling as an expecting mother, according to the Centers for Disease Control, some precautions need to be taken to make sure that both mother-to-be and her unborn child are safe.
Because snorkeling happens out in the open ocean where there are currents, winds, and the inability to get directly to shore, the expecting woman will need to be completely honest with her physicality. If not completely comfortable, there are flotation devices that can be used to help keep the mother-to-be buoyant.
While snorkeling in and of itself is not strenuous, the elements can make it so. As such, if there is any question as to whether or not the mother-to-be is physically able to swim in such conditions, then snorkeling should be passed on if the day out on the water is not perfectly calm.
A pregnant woman should avoid holding her breath while snorkeling, according to Ninja Shark. This is because an unborn baby requires more hemoglobin in his vascular system than the mother-to-be does and by holding her breath, the pregnant woman is depleting the oxygen circulating not only through her body but to the unborn baby as well. As such, while it might make for a great photo opportunity to dive down to the ocean floor to take a picture with the coral or the ocean wildlife, that should be saved for a snorkeling trip when a baby is not on the way.
By selecting a tour with a professional group when pregnant, the concerns of currents, changes in weather, being in a designated diving area are all taken care of. There are also others around that are, more often than not, basic safety trained, and are aware of the woman being pregnant. As such, were she to slip or be in distress in the water, the mother-to-be can immediately receive help, versus having help delayed by going out privately with one or two companions.
While it seems counterintuitive to watch for an increase in body temperature in the ocean, it is incredibly easy to overheat while snorkeling in the water. This is because a pregnant woman’s core body temperature is higher than that of someone who is not pregnant, according to HealthStatus. That, coupled with the fact that most snorkeling is done under a hot sun in tropical locals, and it can be the recipe for an overheating disaster.
According to Healthfully, birth defects can occur when a woman experiences “prolonged elevated temperatures.” As such, it is recommended to choose a snorkeling time that is in the morning, before the sun is directly overhead. This along with frequent breaks to drink water and sit in the shade will help decrease body temperature as well as the risk for overheating.
Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy some time in the water on vacation or a babymoon while pregnant. And as long as proper precautions are taken, the activity is completely safe. As long as the mother-to-be knows what her limitations are, there is no reason why she cannot enjoy some time in the sun looking at some beautiful underwater scenery.
Source: Centers for Disease Control, Ninja Shark, HealthStatus, Healthfully
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