Going To Beach While Pregnant: Benefits & Safety Tips

Pregnancy can be a beautiful and transformative journey, and enjoying the beach during this time can be equally delightful. While your usual beach activities might need some adjustments, there are numerous advantages to spending time at the shore during pregnancy. The gentle sea breeze and calming waves can provide relaxation, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being for both you and your baby. However, safety is paramount. It’s essential to stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, use sunscreen, and find comfortable seating to protect your growing bump. Read on to learn various benefits and safety tips for visiting the beach during pregnancy.

Should Pregnant Ladies Go on the Beach?

The soft and warm sand under your toes may give you a very relaxing and soothing feeling. However, you may wonder if a beach vacation while pregnant is a good idea. Well, as long as you follow safety guidelines and you are careful about keeping yourself safe on the beach, there is no reason why you should not go.

Benefits of Going to the Beach While Pregnant

You can have loads of fun on the beach during pregnancy too, as the cascading waves, the bright sun and the warm sand may help you feel calm and relaxed. Here are the benefits that you may derive by going to a beach during pregnancy:

• You need to get ample rest during pregnancy and what better place than a beach to get some relaxation?

• It is an ideal place for chit-chatting or spending time with friends or family members.

• The same food that you may not like eating at home may turn delectable and yummy on a beach. Everyone enjoys a change of place and routine once in a while, don’t they?

• Beaches are great for walking. You may do some low-impact exercises on the beach, to feel healthy and energised.

• You may have ample time to catch up on your hobbies. You may read a book, listen to some good music or indulge in any such activity.

Checklist for Your Beach Vacation During Pregnancy

So, what should be your beach must-haves during pregnancy? Here we have listed some items that you may like to carry with you on a beach vacation during pregnancy:

• Choose a location for which you do not have to travel for a long duration. Make sure it is close to home so that you do not begin your vacation all tired and exhausted.

• Make sure you have some company whenever you plan to go on a beach vacation, to take care of you if any need may arise. Going alone may not be a good idea.

• Establish the right time to go on a beach holiday. Going on a beach vacation at the wrong time may ruin the vacation. Make sure you do not plan your trip towards the end of your third trimester. Also, ensure that there is a provision for a medical facility in the vicinity.

• Refrain from getting adventurous during pregnancy. You may walk, nap, read or walk on the beach. However, it would be unwise to go for snorkelling, snowboarding, windsurfing or indulging in various kinds of adventure sports.

• Take a beach chair along with you to sit and relax comfortably on the beach.

• Wear loose and comfortable cotton clothes to feel breezy and comfortable.

Important Things to Consider for a Healthy Beach Day During Pregnancy

Though it is absolutely safe to be on the beach during pregnancy, however, the following tips may help you to have a healthy beach day during pregnancy:

1. Use Sunscreen

Your skin may become dry and stretchy during pregnancy, and prolonged sun exposure may lead to a flaky, itchy or stinging sensation on the skin. Therefore, it is suggested that you apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh sun.

2. Be Proud of Your Bump

Pregnancy weight and your baby bump may make you conscious. But if you feel comfortable in your skin and body, nobody else can make you feel otherwise.

3. Be Careful Around the Water

Be careful around the beach waves while pregnant as the riding high waves may make you lose your balance, causing you to fall. Make sure you do not go deep into the water for swimming. Also, be careful of the jagged rocks or other sharp objects while walking on the beach.

4. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Being out in the sun for long may drain your body, and thus you may feel dehydrated. Make sure you keep drinking water to keep yourself well-hydrated because dehydration may not only make your energy levels extremely low, but may also lead to various health complications during pregnancy.

5. Take Breaks

If you plan to spend the whole day at the beach, then we suggest taking a few breaks in between and resting in a shady or air-conditioned place. Prolonged sun exposure may not only be harmful to your skin but being in the sun for a long duration may also lead to exhaustion and tiredness.

6. Move Around

As a pregnant woman on the beach, though you may have come to a beach with the intention of lazing around, it may also be a good idea to walk around or indulge in some light exercises to feel energised and fresh.

7. Keep Snacking

Carry ample home-cooked snacks, fresh foods, nuts etc. with you on the beach. Curb your urge to eat from roadside vendors. If you have to eat, eat from a clean and hygienic place.

8. Pack a Few Extra Clothes

If you plan to spend an entire day at the beach, it may be wise to pack some extra clothes for you. If you plan to spend some time in the water, then it may not be advisable to sit in damp and wet clothes.

9. Practice Good Posture

Maintain proper posture while sitting or standing on the beach to alleviate any strain on your back and help with overall comfort during your day in the sun.

10. Plan Bathroom Breaks

Frequent urination is common during pregnancy. Be mindful of restroom facilities and plan for regular bathroom breaks to stay comfortable and prevent discomfort.

11. Listen to Your Body

Pay close attention to your body’s signals. If you feel fatigued, dizzy, or experience any unusual discomfort, it’s essential to take a break and rest.

12. Stay Cool

Heat can be especially taxing during pregnancy. Use a handheld fan or cooling mist spray to keep cool and refreshed while at the beach.

13. Avoid High-Impact Activities

Refrain from activities that involve a high risk of falling or injury, such as beach volleyball or strenuous water sports. Opt for low-impact exercises and gentle activities.

14. Communicate With Your Healthcare Provider

Before heading to the beach during pregnancy, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that it’s safe for you and your baby, especially if you have any specific medical conditions or complications. Their guidance can help you make the best choices for a healthy beach day.

FAQs

1. Is It Safe to Go to the Beach in the First Trimester?

It is generally safe to go to the beach during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, it’s essential to take precautions, such as staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and avoiding overexertion. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

2. Should You Lay on Your Stomach at the Beach During Pregnancy?

It’s not advisable to lay on your stomach at the beach during pregnancy, especially as your belly grows. This can cause discomfort and potentially harm the baby. Instead, opt for a comfortable and supportive beach chair or mat to relax.

The waves, sea breeze and soft sand are a favourite among many ladies, and it’s almost therapeutic. Being pregnant does not mean that you cannot enjoy yourself on a beach. Going to the beach while pregnant will help heaps! However, it is advisable that you follow the safety guidelines and also consult your doctor before embarking on a beach holiday.

References/Resources:

1. Dehydration During Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/womens-health/dehydration-pregnancy/

2. Dehydration; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086

3. Botyar. M, Khoramroudi. R; Ultraviolet radiation and its effects on pregnancy: A review study (Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6069651/; June 2018

4. Shareef. S, Boothby-Shoemaker. W, Abdelnour. A, Albazi. E; Assessing public interest in sunscreen safety during pregnancy and lactation (International Journal of Women’s Dermatology); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9119635/; May 2022

5. Iqbal. Z, Jilanee. S, Uppada. L, Imtiaz. S, et al.; Evaluating the Clinical Risk Factors Associated With Miscarriages in Women in Karachi, Pakistan (Cureus); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8610211/; October 2021

6. Magnus. M, Wilcox. A, Morken. N, Weinberg. C, Håberg. S; Role of maternal age and pregnancy history in risk of miscarriage: prospective register based study; the BMJ; https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.l869; March 2019

7. Jevšnik. M, Česen. A, Šantić. M, Ovca. A; Food Safety Knowledge and Practices of Pregnant Women and Postpartum Mothers in Slovenia (Foods); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8535543/; October 2021

8. Taylor. M, Galanis. E; Food safety during pregnancy (Canadian Family Physician); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2920771/; August 2010

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