Can pregnant women go swimming at the beach? The short answer is no, but there absolutely are things you can do if you feel like takin’ a dip. So, let’s look at a handful of ways pregnant women can enjoy their days at the beach and keep their cool at the same time.
Can A Pregnant Woman Go Swimming?
Yes, a pregnant woman can go swimming. There are, however, some precautions to take.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women avoid swimming in ocean or freshwater lakes during the first trimester of pregnancy. (The first trimester is weeks one through 12.) The reason for this is because of the potential risk of infection. The water in these locations may contain bacteria or parasites that could cause serious illness in the mother and her baby.
Some infections that can be contracted from swimming include:
- Chlamydia (sexually transmitted disease)
- Gonorrhea (sexually transmitted disease)
- Listeria monocytogenes (bacteria causing listeriosis)
- Cryptosporidium parvum (parasite causing cryptosporidiosis)
Should A Pregnant Woman Swim in The Ocean?
The answer is a qualified yes. Pregnant women should be aware of some important factors that can affect their health, so they can make an informed choice about whether to swim in the ocean or not.
As a rule of thumb, it’s always better to avoid eating seafood that is raw or undercooked during pregnancy because of the risk of foodborne illness from pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella. This includes oysters, clams and mussels, which are often eaten raw by people who like them cold.
It’s also important for pregnant women to avoid swimming in polluted water or near sewage pipes and drains because infection with bacteria such as giardia lamblia can cause severe illness in newborns whose immune systems are still developing.
What Are the Risks of Swimming InThe Beach While Pregnant?
Swimming is one of the most popular summer activities. It’s a great way to cool off, exercise and spend quality time with family and friends. However, it’s not always safe for pregnant women.
The risk of infection from swimming in contaminated water is greater during pregnancy because your immune system is weakened. You’re also more likely to get dehydrated and exhausted on hot days. These factors put you at higher risk for infection if you swim in polluted water or spend time in wet bathing suits or wet bathing suits for long periods of time.
You might also be at risk for sunburn if you swim outdoors on sunny days without sunscreen or protective clothing like a hat and sunglasses.
- Is it Safe to Swim While Pregnant?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that pregnant women avoid water-related activities if they have open wounds or sores that may come into contact with contaminated water (for example, if you use a pool filter).
She Should Be Careful of Being Exposed To Sun For Too Long.
While pregnant, you may be apprehensive about swimming in the sea or the pool. But before you decide to avoid it completely, here are some points to keep in mind.
You should be extremely careful of being exposed to sun for too long. So if you have a choice, go swimming during early mornings or late evenings, when sun is not as strong as during daytime hours.
If you must swim at midday, make sure that you apply a good layer of sunscreen on your face and body before heading out for a dip. Also, wear a hat and use sunglasses so that your eyes are protected from harmful UV rays.
It’s important that you wear a good-quality maternity swimsuit that offers support to your growing belly and protects against UV rays from the sun. If possible, buy one that has special panels around the tummy area for additional support.
The Beach Is Fun and You Can Still Enjoy It When You’re Pregnant If You Take the Right Cautions.
The beach is fun, and you can still enjoy it when you’re pregnant if you take the right cautions.
The water at the beach is chlorinated, so there’s no need to worry about bacteria or other germs. That said, you should avoid swimming if you have an open wound or a rash.
Swimming in the ocean is generally safe for pregnant women, but there are some things to keep in mind:
- If you experience cramping or bleeding during pregnancy, don’t swim in the ocean until your doctor says it’s okay.
- Stay out of the water if you have a history of miscarriage or other complications during pregnancy.
- Don’t get into the water if you feel dizzy or weak — even though swimming will make you feel better, it may also be putting your baby at risk for drowning if something happens while you’re in the water.
Conclusion
A pregnant woman can go swimming at a beach, but she should do so with caution and care. Swimming in the water offers both positive and negative sides for a pregnant woman, so she should only swim if she feels she can enjoy doing so safely. If she takes all precautionary measures, it is safe for her to swim.
