Going to the beach while pregnant: advantages and disadvantages
Can going to the beach while pregnant be risky? What are the benefits of going to the beach during pregnancy? There’s no reason why a pregnant woman shouldn’t go to the beach, just follow a few simple rules.
The beach is definitely a place to relax and can help a future mother feel calmer. Walking on the sand is really a panacea.
But what are the things we should pay attention to on the beach during pregnancy?
What should be true for all movements undertaken during pregnancy, it would be advisable to choose a place not far from home or in any case with hospital facilities nearby for any need, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Never go to the beach alone, if possible always be accompanied even in the water and during walks.
Avoid all activities that could put mother and baby at risk. You can walk, nap, read or walk on the beach. However, it would be unwise to snorkel, snowboard, windsurf or engage in various types of adventure sports.
While it’s absolutely safe to be at the beach while pregnant, however, the following tips can help you have a worry-free day:
1. Use sunscreen.
Your skin can become dry and stretchy during pregnancy, and prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to the skin feeling flaky, itchy, or burning. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
2. Be Proud of Your Baby Bump Your
pregnancy weight and baby bump can sometimes make you a little self-conscious. But if you’re comfortable in your own skin and body, no one else can make you feel any different.
3. Be careful of the waves when you are in the water
Be careful when you are pregnant when you enter the water as the high waves could throw you off balance, causing you to fall. Make sure you don’t go deep into the water to swim. Also, be careful of jagged rocks or other sharp objects as you walk the beach.
4. Keep yourself hydrated
Being in the sun for a long time could dehydrate you. Make sure you continue to drink water to keep yourself well hydrated because dehydration can not only make your energy levels extremely low but can also lead to various health complications during pregnancy.
5. Take breaks
If you plan to spend the whole day at the beach, we suggest you take some breaks in between and rest in a shady or air-conditioned place. Prolonged exposure to the sun can not only be harmful to your skin, but being in the sun for a long time can also lead to tiredness and exhaustion.
6. Get moving
It might also be a good idea to go for a walk or indulge in some light exercise to feel more energetic.
7. Keep snacking
Take plenty of homemade snacks, fresh foods, nuts, etc. with you to the beach. Curb your urge to eat from street vendors. If you must eat, eat in a clean and sanitized place.
8. Pack some extra clothes.
If you plan on spending an entire day at the beach, it might be wise to pack some extra clothes for yourself. If you plan to spend time in the water, it may not be advisable to sit in damp, wet clothing.
The waves, sea breeze and sand are therapeutic. Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on a beach. However, it is advisable to follow the safety guidelines and also consult your doctor before embarking on a beach holiday.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.