Snorkeling is a fun activity, but here’s the question: can you go snorkeling while pregnant? The answer to this varies, depending on the specific condition of the expectant mother. Pregnancy is wonderful, but there are a lot of things that women have to give up. Whether snorkeling is one of them or not, we’re about to find out in this post.
Can You Go Snorkeling While Pregnant?
The quick answer here is yes, but with strong caveats. Doctors say that pregnant women can still snorkel up to the mid-third trimester. However, those carrying multiple babies will have to drop snorkeling much earlier.
Please take note that pregnant women should never hold their breaths, even for a few seconds. Doing so will deprive the fetus of its much-needed oxygen, which can lead to complications. The same goes for women experiencing sensitive pregnancies.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Organization didn’t list snorkeling as an exercise to avoid. Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling is low impact and will not require pregnant women to hold their breath.
However, it’s still best to consult your doctor. You should always prioritize the safety of the baby inside your womb. Depending on your overall health condition, the doctor can advise whether or not you can go snorkeling.
Each pregnancy is different, so you should never take chances. If you’re bent to go to the water, always ask your doctor’s opinion first.
Take note that a body temperature of around 38.9 in 10 to 15 minutes can cause miscarriages. It can also lead to neural tube defects among infants. If you’re worried about the risks, skipping snorkeling for a year wouldn’t hurt that much.
In the end, you and your baby’s safety matters the most. Besides, you won’t be pregnant forever. A few months of sacrifice is surely worth it.
Tips When Snorkeling While Pregnant
If you’re planning to go snorkeling while pregnant, you should keep the following things in mind:
✔️Know your history
If you’ve had a history of anemia, premature labor, and high blood pressure, you should consider skipping snorkeling. These conditions will greatly impact your and your baby’s safety. Of course, your doctor’s opinion also matters.
✔️Check the water conditions.
It’s crucial to be aware of the water conditions before you start snorkeling. Check if the current is too strong or if there are very rocky surfaces where you might get injured. Aside from that, you should always check for marine life like sea urchins and jellyfishes that could harm you.
✔️Don’t go too deep
As much as possible, you should stay close to the shore. This way, you can go back to land if you start to feel unwell. It will also make it easier for your snorkeling buddies to retrieve you. Most of all, you should never sink too deep into the water because it will force you to hold your breath for a few seconds.
✔️Avoid extreme temperatures
Is it scorching hot? If so, you should reschedule your snorkeling trip. You should do the same when the water is too cold. Extreme temperatures aren’t a good sign since it has a risk of causing birth defects on the unborn baby.
✔️Wear a flotation device
It’s a must to wear a flotation device when snorkeling during your pregnancy. Since you’re carrying more weight, you’ll get tired and crampy easily. A flotation device will be a lifesaver in these scenarios. You should also take regular breaks so that you won’t push your body to the limit.
✔️Ask somebody to look after you.
One rule about going into the water while pregnant is never doing it alone. You should have a snorkeling buddy to help you out in case you experience difficulties in the water. The person should be a good swimmer in case incidents occur during your trip.
✔️Cover your belly
Lastly, consider covering your belly. This is to prevent contact with sea creatures that could harm your skin and the baby inside your tummy. You can look for one-piece swimwear made for pregnant women instead of a two-piece bikini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it okay to swim underwater while pregnant?
A: Swimming is a great exercise for pregnant women. It’s low-impact, but you should avoid holding your breath for too long. You should also check the environment, especially if you’re swimming in open waters. Most of all, you should never swim alone if you’re pregnant.
Q: Do pregnant bellies float?
A: Not necessarily, but some pregnant ladies say that their bellies make them more buoyant on water. If you’re snorkeling on saltwater, floating is a normal occurrence as the salt makes you lighter. To be safe, never use your belly as a floater. Always bring a floater with you to be sure.
Q: Can I hurt my baby by pressing on my stomach?
A: Minor bumps are unlikely to hurt the baby inside your tummy. However, you should still be careful. Excessive force and pressure are harmful to expectant mothers, so you should avoid activities of this nature.
Q: Can I go to a chlorine pool when pregnant?
A: Moderate exposure to a chlorinated pool is fine. However, avoid swim into this chemical-laced water as it can impact your pregnancy. Nevertheless, swimming remains one of the healthiest and safest forms of exercise for pregnant women.
Q: Is cold water swimming safe during pregnancy?
A: When you’re pregnant, the temperature regulation system of the body is less efficient. It can make you too hot or too cold, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures. It’s best to avoid cold water during pregnancy as it can cause a sudden drop in your internal body temperature.
Final Words
Can you go snorkeling while pregnant? Yes, you can do so, but with extra caution. You should also consult your obstetrician before going to ensure that your body is in good shape. Above all, you should prioritize the safety of your baby. During pregnancy, you can’t be too careful.