Pregnancy and vacation at sea

Pregnancy and the sea is a question that worries many women preparing to become mothers. On the one hand, it seems that maternity leave spent on a sandy beach is a great opportunity to improve your health and have a good rest. On the other hand, there is concern - will the sun and salt water harm the future baby?

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Vacation at sea during pregnancy

Whether it is possible to combine pregnancy and the sea depends on the health of a particular woman. If the expectant mother does not suffer from any chronic diseases and is in excellent condition in general, then she can safely go on vacation to the coast.

But the gynecologist who is monitoring the pregnancy may forbid the woman from such a trip. The reasons for this trouble may be:

• Threat of termination of pregnancy.
• Placental abruption or placenta previa.
• Severe toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy (preeclampsia) with increased blood pressure.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• All kinds of allergic reactions.

If, fortunately, all the above reasons have passed the expectant mother, then a vacation at sea is guaranteed. But do not forget that the absence of threats to health and pregnancy does not yet give the red light for a trip to the sea. It is very important to take into account the peculiarities of the pregnancy period.

The sea in early pregnancy

Early pregnancy and the sea are a dangerous combination. It is in the first trimester (from the first to the thirteenth week) that the most important changes occur in a woman's body. In particular, the internal organs of the future child are formed, and clear outlines of the limbs and head appear.

In the early stages, miscarriages and fetal abnormalities most often occur.

Therefore, despite the recommendations of doctors to be outdoors and swim as often as possible, it is advisable to refrain from going to the sea, or at least not to go too far from home.

If you have early toxicosis, you will have to give up your vacation at sea.

The sea in late pregnancy

The most suitable period for a seaside holiday during pregnancy is the second trimester (14 – 25 weeks).

At this time, all the internal organs of the future baby are formed, and the woman has become accustomed to her new state and feels calm and comfortable.

But the third trimester (from 25 to 40 weeks) is not a suitable period of pregnancy for a seaside vacation. The two biggest problems of this period are the possibility of developing late toxicosis and the risk of premature birth. If you feel well and for some reason you cannot refuse a seaside vacation, then remember that you must return home before the 38th week, because it is from this moment that premature birth can begin.

Is it possible to swim in the sea during pregnancy?

In the case when a pregnant woman is absolutely healthy and a vacation at sea is even recommended for her, another question arises - is it possible to swim?

Useful elements contained in sea water (iodine, potassium, magnesium, seaweed) have a beneficial effect on the body of the expectant mother, strengthen and tone it. Waves and splashing in the sea perform the function of a light hydromassage.

Despite all these pleasant moments, it is necessary to remember about the health of the future child and adhere to some rules:

• Before entering the water, assess its cleanliness and the safety of the bottom.
• Do not swim in too cold water.
• Don't overexert yourself, don't swim long distances.
• Swimming in the sea is also sunbathing, which pregnant women should limit. Therefore, you should not stay in the water for too long.

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Is it possible to sunbathe during pregnancy?

If pregnancy and the sea do coincide, then you won't be able to avoid the open sun. Considering the fact that due to changes in hormonal levels, a pregnant woman's skin gets tanned better and faster, the temptation to acquire a chocolate skin color before giving birth increases many times over.

Doctors warn that being in the open sun at any stage of pregnancy is very dangerous. It is fraught with loss of consciousness, varicose veins, uterine bleeding and unwanted pigmentation. Therefore, in order not to harm yourself and the future child, you need to consider the following points:

• Sunbathe only in the shade: under an umbrella or awning.
• Do not be on the beach between 11 am and 4 pm.
• Do not lie on hot sand or pebbles (only on a sun lounger).
• Be on the beach when the temperature is no higher than 30 degrees.
• Do not sunbathe with an empty or overly full stomach.

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Pregnancy and the Dead Sea

Many women who are planning to spend their maternity leave in a resort town ask themselves the question: are pregnancy and the Dead Sea compatible?

Let's start with the fact that everything depends on the health of the expectant mother. If the observing gynecologist allows her to travel long distances, then she will not find a better beach holiday than the Dead Sea.

The air around it is so saturated with salt that the sun is less dangerous than, for example, in Turkey or Crimea. If you are on the beach sensibly, it is almost impossible to get sunburned. But you should remember that it is dangerous to vacation on the Dead Sea in June/July, since the sun there is very aggressive during this period.

If the expectant mother loves to swim, then a vacation at the Dead Sea will not suit her, because immersion and lying on the surface of the healing water is contraindicated for her. Here she is only allowed to wet her skin with sea water and splash her feet in it.

The influence of the sea on pregnancy

Pregnancy and the sea, despite the list of frightening consequences and contraindications, are a very useful combination.

A future mother, spending her vacation at sea, gets rid of stress, restores the nervous system, strengthens the body and saturates it with useful microelements.

To ensure that your vacation on the seashore is comfortable and without negative consequences, remember:

• A pregnant woman should not go on holiday alone.
• Think through the smallest details before going to the sea: from the transport you will use to the necessary documents.
• On the first day of your vacation, give your body time to acclimatize: don’t rush straight to the beach.
• Control your exposure to water and sun.
• At the first sign of discomfort or suspicious symptoms, consult a gynecologist or return home.

And remember that your condition is not a disease, so pregnancy and the sea are compatible and, in addition, beneficial for your health and the health of your future baby.

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