SNORKELING WHILE PREGNANT: A GOOD IDEA? Pregnancy is a rather delicate period in a woman's life during which she should take every precaution to protect herself and her baby in every way, be it physical or psychological. From nutrition to health and wellness to minimizing risk, pregnant women take every precaution possible. So, can you snorkel when you're pregnant? Read the article to learn more.

Pregnancy is a rather delicate period in a woman’s life during which she should take every precaution to protect herself and her baby in every way, be it physical or psychological. From nutrition to health and wellness to minimizing risk, pregnant women take every precaution possible. So, can you snorkel when you’re pregnant? Read the article to learn more.

Snorkeling is an adventurous sport. But is it safe to embark on this adventure while pregnant? While some say pregnancy doesn’t preclude diving or snorkeling, it’s necessary to understand the risks and precautions you need to take.
Consult your doctor not only about scuba diving and snorkeling but also about any physical activity you will engage in while pregnant. Avoid diving for a while until your little one enters this world.

IS IT SAFE SNORKELING WHILE PREGNANT?

You’re on vacation at the beach, and you’re already pregnant. If you follow the rules, you can calmly enjoy the underwater world while snorkeling.

Scuba diving is not advised during pregnancy. However, if you happen to be on a tropical vacation, snorkeling can be a good option. However, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor before you grab your swimsuit and head to the reef while considering the below precautions. You may also find that anti-stress pregnancy is to observe fish.

CONSIDERATIONS

First, consider your fitness level and the conditions where you will be able to snorkel. Snorkeling is not usually considered vigorous exercise, especially if you’re wearing fins, snorkeling in areas without a current, or an inflatable vest.

In fact, a Brazilian study published in the journal “Reproductive Health” in 2009 verified the safety of aqua gym in pregnant women. The report determined that even for women who are not used to exercising, water aerobics is harmless during pregnancy.

OXYGEN, PLEASE

It may be alluring to scuba dive and scrounge shells on the sandy bottom of the sea. Resist the temptation, however. As your baby needs a continuous oxygen supply, holding your breath during pregnancy is a big NO. For the same reason, it is important to make sure you are comfortable breathing through the snorkel before the trip out to the reef.

You can be prone to holding your breathing in rapid huffs. To reduce the need for oxygen, use fins and, if necessary, a life jacket. The evidence behind not holding your breath is so compelling that KidsHealth.org recommends not holding your breath during any pregnancy exercise.

BODY TEMPERATURE

Since snorkeling usually includes sunny days, warm waters, and tropical locations, it is likely to be snorkeling during warm weather. Pay special attention to the environment, especially in your first trimester, because birth defects can occur in the fetuses of women with prolonged high temperatures.

Avoid midday snorkeling and remember that you can underestimate your body temperature while swimming. Cold water will cool your skin and make you feel cooler than your real body temperature. Take breaks to sip liquids, as water helps regulate body temperature.

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS

First of all, as an expectant mother, you need to drink even more water than usual, and if you are going to a country with a hot climate, increase the usual amount of water by at least half a liter. The midwife’s recommendation is two and a half to three liters of water anyway, which you have to carry even further on the beach.

In most cases, headaches during pregnancy are a sign of dehydration. Don’t wait for this warning sign to appear; start drinking now!
You also have to pay extra attention to sunburn and sunstroke. It is worth snorkeling in thin shorties or full neoprene, which covers your back, upper arms, and legs.
Another thing you should pay attention to is not raising your heart rate too much. Fortunately, snorkeling is not a sport where you have to swim fast anyway. If you sense a current, swim closer to the shore or the coral, and take a whistle with you so that you can call for help.
If you get tired or have any problems. (It’s worth snorkeling in pairs for this very reason.) When you get out, immediately retreat to the shade and apply sunscreen!
Be very careful to avoid injuring yourself while snorkeling, after all, you can be thousands of miles away from your doctor. Pay special attention to the typical warnings given to snorkelers. Avoid placing your feet down near the spines of sea urchins, which are often hidden between rock and coral.
Keep an eye out for jellyfish and other dangerous creatures, depending on your location. If you’re not snorkeling in a protected area, you need to use a dive flag since surfers will have a hard time seeing you while you’re lying flat in the waves. And, of course, enjoy. The next time you snorkel, it may be showing your new baby a coral reef.

Pros

More time in the water means slight relief from pregnancy discomforts, especially in the last trimester. While diving is not recommended during pregnancy, there is a distinct benefit to being in the water. Once the water soothes the physical ailments, the mother’s sanity is restored and soothed.
Since the most beautiful and colorful part of the wildlife is located in the upper few meters, you will still see beautiful things, from clownfish to octopuses to firefish and even turtles. Of course, it depends on where you dive. In some places, you can even meet gentle sharks, you don’t even have to dive!

Cons

Getting into the water may seem soothing and may induce a feeling of weightlessness. However, this feeling can be harmful to the baby.
Moreover, due to this delicate condition, even a slight mishap or injury can bear big consequences. Hence extra care and precautions are required. Since you can’t take any medicine, be even more careful not to step on anything. A poisonous rockfish, firefish, or jellyfish sting can really be a big problem.

FAQs

Breast milk does not attract nitrogen and the baby cannot absorb it through breastfeeding. At the same time, snorkeling while breastfeeding can be tiring and can lead to dehydration, and affect breast milk production. Make sure you are well hydrated.

Resuming diving after pregnancy depends on the type of birth you went through and the doctor’s recommendation. The average time to resume diving is:
• 8 to 12 weeks after an uncomplicated cesarean section.
• More than 12 weeks after bed rest in a complicated delivery.
• 21 days after a vaginal delivery.

CONCLUSION

Snorkeling is an exciting and less vigorous sport and can be pursued safely during pregnancy. However, before beginning, seek the advice of a doctor. While preparing for this thrilling activity, you should take the proper precautions to stay safe and enjoy it stress-free. Pregnancy is a delicate period and requires extra care to avoid any complications. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

SNORKELING WHILE PREGNANT: A GOOD IDEA?