Pregnancy and rest at sea
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Pregnancy and the sea - a question that worries many women who are preparing to become moms. On the one hand, it seems that a maternity leave on a sandy beach is a great opportunity to recover and fully rest. On the other hand, there is excitement - will the sun and salt water harm the future baby.
[Holidays at sea during pregnancy
Is it possible to combine pregnancy and the sea depends on the health of a particular woman. If the future mother does not suffer from any chronic diseases and has an excellent condition as a whole, she can safely send on vacation to the coast.
But a gynecologist who observes pregnancy can forbid a woman such a trip. The reasons for this trouble can be:
- The threat of termination of pregnancy.
- Detachment or placenta previa.
- Severe toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) with an increase in blood pressure.
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
- Allergic reactions.
If all of the above reasons, fortunately, passed the future mother, then rest on the sea it is provided. But do not forget that the absence of threats to health and pregnancy does not give the red light for a trip to the sea. It is very important to take into account the features of pregnancy.
The sea in the early stages of pregnancy
Pregnancy in the early stages and the sea is a dangerous combination. It is in the first trimester (from the first to the thirteenth week) that the most important changes occur in the woman's body. In particular, the internal organs of a future child are formed, the outlines of limbs and the head appear clearly.
In the early stages, miscarriages occur most often or fetal pathologies occur.
Therefore, despite the recommendations of doctors as often as possible to be out in the fresh air and swim, it is advisable to refrain from a trip to the sea, or at least not to drive too far from home.
At an early toxicosis from rest on the sea it is necessary to refuse.
The sea on late pregnancy
The most suitable period for rest at sea 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 is used to her new condition and feels calm and comfortable.
But the third trimester (from 25 to 40 weeks) - an inappropriate period of pregnancy for a holiday at sea. The two biggest problems of this period are the possibility of developing late toxicosis and the risk of premature birth. If you feel good and refuse to rest at sea for some reason you can not, then remember that you must return home until the 38th week, because it is from this moment that premature birth can begin.
Can I swim in the sea during pregnancy?
In the case when the pregnant woman is absolutely healthy and rest on the sea to her even is shown, there is one more question - whether it is possible to bathe?
Useful elements that are contained in sea water (iodine, potassium, magnesium, seaweed) have a beneficial effect on the future mother's body, strengthen and tone it. Waves and splashing in the sea serve as a light hydromassage.
Despite all these pleasant moments, it is necessary to remember the health of the unborn child and adhere to certain rules:
- Before entering the water to assess its purity and safety of the bottom.
- Do not swim in too cold water.
- Do not overwork yourself, do not make far swim.
- Bathing in the sea is also sunbathing, which should be restricted to pregnant women. So do not stay in the water for too long.
Can I sunbathe during pregnancy?
If pregnancy and the sea still coincide, then avoid the open sun will not work. Considering the fact that due to a change in the hormonal background of a tan on a woman's skin in a lying position better and faster, the temptation to acquire a chocolate color before birth generates several times.
Doctors warn - to be in the open sun at any time of pregnancy is very dangerous. This 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 stay on the beach from 11 to 16 hours.
- Do not lie on heated sand or pebbles (only on a deckchair).
- Be on the beach at a temperature of no higher than 30 degrees.
- Do not sunbathe with an empty or overly full stomach.
Pregnancy and the Dead Sea
Many women who are going to spend maternity leave in the resort city, are wondering whether pregnancy and the Dead Sea are compatible?
To begin with, everything depends on the state of health of the future mother. If the observing gynecologist allows her to overcome long distances, she can not find a better beach rest than the Dead Sea.
The air around him is so saturated with salt that the sun represents a lesser danger than, for example, in Turkey or the Crimea. With sound on the beach, it is almost impossible to burn. But it should be remembered that it is dangerous to have a rest on the Dead Sea in June / July, because during this period the sun is very aggressive there.
If the future mother loves to swim, then the rest at the Dead Sea will not work for her, because it is contraindicated to dive completely and lie on the surface of healing water. Here it is allowed only to soak the skin with sea water and splash in it with legs.
Effect of the Sea on Pregnancy
Pregnancy and the sea, despite the list of frightening consequences and contraindications, is a very useful combination.
The future mother, spending a vacation at sea, gets rid of stress, restores the nervous system, strengthens the body and saturates it with useful trace elements.
In order to rest on the seashore was comfortable and without negative consequences, remember:
- A pregnant woman can not go on vacation alone.
- Think about the smallest details before you go to sea: from the transport that you will get to the necessary documents.
- On the first day of the holiday, let the body acclimatize: do not run immediately to the beach.
- Monitor stay in water and in the sun.
- At the first indispositions and suspicious signs address to the doctor-gynecologist or return home.
And remember that your condition is not a disease, so pregnancy and the sea are compatible and, in addition, useful for your health and the health of the future baby.