The heat is coming and so are the holidays! Expectant moms start getting ready and planning their trips and outings for the end and beginning of the year, but is it just about packing your suitcase and enjoying yourself? Pregnancy really isn’t an illness, yet you should take several precautions as it’s a very delicate phase of life. The care for a pregnant woman at the beach or any place with sun exposure should always be doubled. If your pregnancy is not considered high-risk, you can relax—you’ll be able to enjoy the summer without problems, as long as you take some precautions. Choose beaches that are calmer, without big crowds and preferably with little or no waves.
Precautions at the Beach
If you enjoy swimming in the sea, try not to go to the deeper areas and always have someone with you. Going into deeper waters may require extra effort to return and can be dangerous. Obstetricians recommend you stay with the water up to your knees. Always keep your back to the waves; the impact on your belly can deliver a heavy blow to your abdomen. If enjoying the beach for you means lying down, sunbathing to refresh your tan from last summer, you should take extra care, as your skin becomes even more sensitive during pregnancy.
Strong Sun and Hydration
Using maximum protection sunscreen is essential, and remember it’s important to reapply it after coming out of the water or after some time. Avoiding the peak sun hours is also essential for pregnant women at the beach. The recommended times are in the morning until 10am or in the afternoon after 4pm. After all, you want to enjoy yourself—not develop severe sunstroke, get uncomfortable sunburns or develop skin spots, which are very common during pregnancy, right? Essentials like a hat, sunglasses, and beach umbrella are also fundamental for a pleasant day without headaches later. Hydration is also vital, so make the most of the beach atmosphere and drink plenty of water, juices, and coconut water. In hotter seasons, pregnant women should be extra careful with blood pressure and keeping the body hydrated, so drink plenty of fluids.
What Can I Eat at the Beach?
As for food, snacks sold by beach vendors and stalls are usually greasy and from unknown sources, so they’re not recommended for pregnant women at the beach. Try to bring fruits and light snacks from home; Brazilian cheese biscuits are also a great option for the beach.
IMPORTANT: Having contact with the sand or even playing with your older child on the ground with a bucket and little shovel is no problem at all. The only thing not recommended is playing games at the shoreline, especially with balls, as they can hit your belly and end up causing injury.
And What about Pregnant Women in the Pool?
The same care and recommendations for a pregnant woman at the beach also apply to the pool. The idea that pregnant women can’t enjoy pools because it can soften the plug and cause premature labor is a myth! In fact, swimming and water aerobics are highly recommended sports for pregnant women to help control weight gain and ease the discomfort caused by bodily changes during this stage. What is crucial to watch for is the cleanliness of the pool; if it is properly cleaned and treated, there is no problem at all.
Prohibitions and Precautions
The only prohibitions regarding pregnancy and pools are jumping, diving, using water slides and slides, since the body impact can cause harm to the baby. Another point of attention is wearing a wet bikini for too long. Keeping a wet bikini on for too long can invite bacteria and lead to vaginal infections, like candidiasis, which is definitely not welcome during pregnancy, right? So, after swimming, it’s best to remove your wet swimsuit. During pregnancy, swelling is more common, especially in intense heat. Try a few strategies to reduce it like avoiding standing or sitting in the same position for a long time. Take light walks, steer clear of salty foods, and use the opportunity to put your feet up with the help of another chair and relax. Don’t forget maximum protection sunscreen, plenty of water, and to enjoy yourself. Also read: What Is the Best Hair Removal Method During Pregnancy? Photo: shultz
